Continuous Improvement Engineer - Process & Project Lead

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock is seeking a technical leader to drive plant support and R&D initiatives, delivering safe, efficient operations and cost reduction. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage capital projects up to $6 MM, and ensure regulatory compliance across FSMA, SQF and FDA standards.

The role requires strong communication, project management skills, and the ability to travel as needed to support projects and operations across plants.

Qualifications

• 4+ years operations experience in a food, beverage or chemical products production environment.
• BA/BS in a chemical or food engineering discipline.
• Experience with micro sensitive products in an FDA or USDA regulated food safety system preferred.
• Experience in thermal processing of liquid products including hot fill and aseptic packaging, liquid evaporation/concentration equipment and aroma systems.
• Knowledge of design engineering in food science, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, sanitary piping practices and process and instrumentation diagrams.
• Working knowledge of Process Controls and Instrumentation systems.
• Experience in beverage manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to set strategy and implement new product and process opportunities.
• Identify and implement cost-effective resolutions to improve performance and reduce risk.
• Manage capital projects often up to $6 MM and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Promote safe working environment in line with OSHA and WestRock safety standards.
• Assure compliance with FSMA, SQF and FDA requirements where applicable.
• Coordinate information flow between the company and customers and ensure timely action items.
• Prepare designs, drawings, plans and specifications for projects and engineered systems.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Windows apps

Travel flexibility

Weekend hours

Food beverage processing

Beverage manufacturing experience

Education

BA/BS in chemical or food engineering

Job description

WestRock is seeking a technical leader to drive plant support and R&D initiatives, delivering safe, efficient operations and cost reduction. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage capital projects up to $6 MM, and ensure regulatory compliance across FSMA, SQF and FDA standards.

The role requires strong communication, project management skills, and the ability to travel as needed to support projects and operations across plants.