Operational Excellence Engineer I — Poultry Processing

Foster Farms; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Farms in Fresno, CA, is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer I to drive data-driven improvements across poultry processing operations. This role leverages Lean and Six Sigma to strengthen execution, standardize processes, and reduce variability while ensuring compliance with food safety and animal welfare standards.

The engineer will partner with live production, maintenance, QA, safety, and other teams to analyze data, map processes, conduct time studies, develop CAPAs, and deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field such as business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in poultry, meat processing, food manufacturing, or similar high-volume operations.
• Strong data analysis, database management, and business operations experience.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies with Green/Black Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze operational, yield, labor, downtime, and quality data to identify improvement opportunities across poultry processing operations.
• Conduct process mapping, time studies, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis to identify bottlenecks.
• Design and implement Lean and CI initiatives to reduce waste, improve line efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop audits and CAPAs to ensure compliance with food safety, animal welfare, and internal standards.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Job description

Foster Farms in Fresno, CA, is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer I to drive data-driven improvements across poultry processing operations. This role leverages Lean and Six Sigma to strengthen execution, standardize processes, and reduce variability while ensuring compliance with food safety and animal welfare standards.

The engineer will partner with live production, maintenance, QA, safety, and other teams to analyze data, map processes, conduct time studies, develop CAPAs, and deliver