Continuous Improvement Engineer - Bakery Ops

Carolina Foods, Inc.; Pineville (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Carolina Foods, Inc. is looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead plant-floor improvements. You will analyze OEE and losses, drive TPM and SMED initiatives, and act as the technical liaison for automated baking line startups.

You will collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Reliability, Sanitation, and Quality to sustain improvements, develop standard work, and train teams on new processes and SOPs. This onsite role requires hands-on problem-solving and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, food science, operations management, or related field required.
• 3–5 years of hands-on manufacturing experience applying continuous improvement / Lean methods with measurable results.
• Experience starting up and commissioning automated production equipment (FAT/SAT, ramp-up).
• Strong GMP and food safety knowledge; ability to analyze root causes.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to train teams; proficient with MS Office and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze OEE, downtime, scrap, and production data by line to identify losses.
• Lead projects reducing waste, improving labor utilization, and increasing throughput.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Facilitate SMED changeovers with clear baselines and targets.
• Lead startup/commissioning for automated lines; coordinate FAT/SAT with OEMs and Maintenance.
• Develop SOPs, train Production/Sanitation/Maintenance teams, and ensure standard work.
• Support TPM activities and drive maintenance improvement with Reliability teams.
• Collaborate across departments to drive continuous improvement and safe operations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, food science, operations management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production data analysis

MES/ERP familiarity

PLC/HMI knowledge

Job description

Carolina Foods, Inc. is looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead plant-floor improvements. You will analyze OEE and losses, drive TPM and SMED initiatives, and act as the technical liaison for automated baking line startups.

You will collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Reliability, Sanitation, and Quality to sustain improvements, develop standard work, and train teams on new processes and SOPs. This onsite role requires hands-on problem-solving and strong communication.