Plant Manager

American Fruits and Flavors, LLC; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Fruits and Flavors, LLC is seeking a Plant Engineer to drive process improvements, improve equipment reliability, and enhance product quality in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to solve complex challenges and implement sustainable improvements that impact plant performance.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, data-driven optimization, and hands-on support for equipment, safety, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, throughput, consistency, and cost performance.
• Analyze production, process, and equipment data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for process issues, equipment failures, quality concerns, and production interruptions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, equipment specifications, process flow diagrams, and technical standards.
• Support capital projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, startup, and implementation.
• Support new product introductions, process validations, equipment qualification, scale-ups, and process changes.
• Evaluate equipment performance, reliability, uptime, maintenance costs, and process capability; recommend improvements, upgrades, or replacements.
• Design, specify, and support installation of mechanical equipment, piping systems, utilities, and manufacturing support systems.
• Develop and support process control strategies that promote consistent product quality and reliable manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Maintenance and Operations to support preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Lead or support equipment reliability, asset performance, waste reduction, productivity, and cost savings initiatives.
• Train operations personnel on process changes, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Review equipment layouts, piping systems, mechanical designs, and related technical documentation.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors to complete projects safely, effectively, and in alignment with operating requirements.
• Ensure work complies with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, engineering, and company standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical skills

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Communication

Project management

Documentation

Collaboration

MS Office

Data tools

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Related technical field

Job description

Ready to engineer the future of manufacturing?We're looking for a Plant Engineer who thrives on solving complex challenges,improving operations, and driving continuous improvement. If you're passionateabout increasing equipment reliability, enhancing product quality, and making ameasurable impact on plant performance, we'd love to connect.

General Description of Duties

The Plant Engineer is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations by improving process performance, equipment reliability, product quality, safety, and overall operational efficiency. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to solve complex challenges and implement sustainable improvements that drive business success.

Essential Job Functions

• Optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, throughput, consistency, and cost performance.
• Analyze production, process, and equipment data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for process issues, equipment failures, quality concerns, and production interruptions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, equipment specifications, process flow diagrams, and technical standards.
• Support capital projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, startup, and implementation.
• Support new product introductions, process validations, equipment qualification, scale-ups, and process changes.
• Evaluate equipment performance, reliability, uptime, maintenance costs, and process capability; recommend improvements, upgrades, or replacements.
• Design, specify, and support installation of mechanical equipment, piping systems, utilities, and manufacturing support systems.
• Develop and support process control strategies that promote consistent product quality and reliable manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Maintenance and Operations to support preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Lead or support equipment reliability, asset performance, waste reduction, productivity, and cost savings initiatives.
• Train operations personnel on process changes, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Review equipment layouts, piping systems, mechanical designs, and related technical documentation.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors to complete projects safely, effectively, and in alignment with operating requirements.
• Ensure work complies with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, engineering, and company standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

This description reflects the principal functions of the job for the purpose of job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job, nor shall be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for functions described.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Manufacturing experience preferred; food and beverage, consumer products, pharmaceutical, or industrial production experience a plus.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, utilities, process controls, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience with capital projects, equipment installation, commissioning, process improvement, production support, or technical troubleshooting preferred.
• Familiarity with safety, environmental, regulatory, and engineering standards applicable to manufacturing operations.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, vendors, and contractors.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and turn findings into practical actions.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to explain technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail in documentation, specifications, procedures, and project execution.
• Collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable engineering, maintenance, or data analysis tools.
• Must report to any company facility according to company need, sometimes with same-day notice.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with production equipment and cross-functional teams. Occasional extended hours, off-shift support, or project-related work may be required based on business needs.

LOCATION

DEPARTMENT

Management

JOB TYPE

Manager

SALARY RANGE

$120K -140K

SALARY RANGE $120K -140K Compensation Range: Actual salary/hourly wages are determined upon a variety of factors such as level of experience, skills, education and /or certifications, and location.