Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Socket.dev; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sensient Technologies Corporation is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer to optimize plant-floor performance and standardize manufacturing systems across sites. The role focuses on building a comprehensive performance management framework and leading technology-driven improvements.

You will collaborate with Operations leadership, drive data-driven decision making, and support MES readiness and cost modeling to improve overall manufacturing performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Strong manufacturing knowledge with experience in manufacturing systems and performance measurement.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to translate insights into practical solutions.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and driving operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a site performance management system with scorecards, automated data collection, and reporting by shift, line, and work center.
• Develop tools to identify opportunities, prioritize projects, trigger action plans, and track execution.
• Create production cost models and benchmarking tools for accurate cost insights and improvements.
• Lead MES deployment readiness and support standardization across Sensient sites.
• Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Technology to provide performance insights and support data-driven decisions.
• Establish governance for performance management across sites to strengthen operational excellence.

Skills

Manufacturing systems

Performance measurement

Data-driven problem solving

Continuous improvement

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MES (Manufacturing Execution System)

Job description

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer who understands the plant floor and is passionate about improving manufacturing performance. This role will strengthen performance management, improve manufacturing processes and systems, lead technology-driven improvements, and drive greater standardization across Sensient sites globally. Success requires strong collaboration with Operations leadership, a continuous improvement mindset, the ability to turn manufacturing needs into practical solutions, and a strong bias for action.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and manage a comprehensive site performance management system, including scorecards, automated data collection, and reporting by shift, production line, and work center.
• Develop tools and processes to identify performance opportunities, prioritize improvement projects, trigger action plans, and track execution.
• Create and standardize production cost models and benchmarking tools to provide accurate manufacturing cost insights and drive performance improvements across Sensient sites.
• Lead the deployment of on-stream performance metrics and prepare the St. Louis site for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementation, while supporting manufacturing systems standardization across Sensient operations.
• Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Technology leadership to provide performance insights, identify opportunities, anticipate trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Establish consistent performance management and governance processes across Sensient manufacturing sites to strengthen operational excellence and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
• Strong manufacturing knowledge with experience in manufacturing systems, performance measurement, process improvement, and data-driven problem solving.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess manufacturing performance, identify opportunities, and translate insights into practical solutions.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, with the ability to prioritize opportunities and drive initiatives that improve operational performance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across Operations, Manufacturing Technology, and technical teams.
• Strong project management, leadership, and change management skills preferred, with a results-driven mindset, strong bias for action.

What You’ll Get:

• The opportunity to join a leading global ingredients company and play a key role in advancing its manufacturing capabilities.
• Broad visibility and ownership, working closely with Operations and leadership to shape how manufacturing performance is managed and improved.
• The opportunity to lead meaningful technology initiatives, including MES implementation and the automation and integration of manufacturing systems.
• A global platform for your ideas, with the opportunity to help standardize and strengthen manufacturing practices across multiple Sensient sites.
• The chance to make a tangible difference, in a collaborative, action-oriented environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and results are valued.

About Sensient:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Colors:

Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.

Sponsorship: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in (country) without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

Third Party Agency: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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