Manufacturing Process Engineer

Keurig Dr Pepper; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Mileage Reimbursement

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to improve processes, equipment performance and overall production efficiency. The role supports operations across shifts, typically four 10-hour days, and collaborates with Operations, Maintenance, Quality and Supply Chain.

You will use data and continuous improvement methods to boost safety, quality, throughput, reliability and cost.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in industrial automation and controls in manufacturing or distribution.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with FactoryTalk, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networks.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical controls, robotics, vision systems, and automated equipment.
• Experience supporting automation projects, upgrades, commissioning.
• Understanding of preventive maintenance, Lean, and TPM.
• Experience collaborating with OEMs, integrators, maintenance and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze processes, data, and equipment to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, throughput and cost.
• Provide engineering support for day-to-day operations and troubleshoot issues.
• Develop and standardize process improvements to reduce waste and downtime.
• Lead or support Lean CI initiatives, including process optimization and problem solving.
• Monitor KPIs and use data to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop and maintain process docs and SOPs.
• Support trials, process changes, new equipment installations, and startups.
• Evaluate changes for safety, quality, capacity, productivity.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability.
• Partner with Quality to address process-related issues and corrective actions.
• Support capital projects by defining requirements and assisting with installation and startup.
• Develop process metrics and reports.
• Train production staff on new processes and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory policies.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and support plant objectives.
• Identify opportunities to automate or simplify processes.
• Promote data-driven problem solving and sustainable improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root Cause Analysis

Data Analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

FactoryTalk

HMIs

VFDs

Servo systems

Industrial networking

SCADA

SQL databases

Job description

Job Overview:

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit

Location: 3109 Plant Water Road, Knoxville, TN 37914

Shift & Schedule:

This is a salaried position supporting a flexible schedule based on business needs. The role is expected to support operations across all shifts and is typically scheduled for four 10-hour days.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and overall production efficiency. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities for improvement, troubleshoot production issues, and implement sustainable solutions.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer will use data, engineering principles, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance across the manufacturing operation. This position will spend significant time working directly with plant operations and production teams to identify issues, develop solutions, and support implementation.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes, production data, and equipment performance to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost.
• Provide engineering support for day-to-day manufacturing operations and troubleshoot process and production issues.
• Develop, implement, and standardize process improvements to increase productivity and reduce waste, downtime, and variation.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance teams to identify root causes of recurring production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives, including process optimization, waste reduction, standard work, and problem-solving activities.
• Monitor key manufacturing performance indicators and use data analysis to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, work instructions, process specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Support production trials, process changes, new equipment installations, and new product introductions.
• Evaluate process changes and equipment modifications to determine potential impacts to safety, quality, capacity, and productivity.
• Work with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Partner with Quality to investigate process-related quality issues and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Support capital projects by developing process requirements, evaluating equipment and technology options, and assisting with installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Develop and maintain process metrics and reports to measure improvement results.
• Train and support production employees and supervisors on new processes, equipment, procedures, and process improvements.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with company safety requirements, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable policies.
• Participate in cross-functional improvement teams and provide technical expertise to support plant and business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to automate or simplify processes and improve overall manufacturing capability.
• Support continuous improvement culture by promoting data-driven problem solving and sustainable process improvements.

Total Rewards

• Targeted annual compensation range of $90,000–$125,000.
• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience supporting industrial automation and controls within a manufacturing, distribution, or automated material handling environment.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix.
• Experience with FactoryTalk, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical controls, instrumentation, robotics, vision systems, and automated equipment.
• Experience supporting automation projects, system upgrades, equipment installation, or commissioning.
• Understanding of preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, Lean Manufacturing, and TPM methodologies.
• Experience working with OEMs, system integrators, maintenance teams, and cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-speed manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, or automated distribution environments.
• Experience with SCADA systems, industrial Ethernet networks, SQL databases, or data historians.
• Knowledge of warehouse automation systems, conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, AGVs/AMRs, or ASRS equipment.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.

Company Overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be anemployer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure

KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles. AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members. If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to [e-mail] in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words 'AI Opt-Out' and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.