Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer

CJ Schwan's; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 107,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s invites you to join our Salina, KS pizza processing team as Principal Process Engineer. You will drive development and testing of breakthrough processing tech and equipment, and serve as a technical expert guiding projects from concept through scale-up.

You will lead process documentation, collaborate with Manufacturing and R&D, and deliver capital proposals with ROI analysis to enable cost savings and product improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Food, Chemical, or Mechanical) required; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing process equipment within food, beverage or general CPG industries.
• Working knowledge of R&D product development flow from conception to product launch.
• Ability to produce conceptual drawing with a CAD program, develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), cycle time studies, and pay-back calculations.
• Cognition in developing instrument specifications with ISA (Instrument Society of American) format or equivalent.
• Proficiency and comfort in performing equipment sizing and specifications, and PLC controls set-up.

Responsibilities

• Develop and commercialize breakthrough process technology and new processing equipment within CJ Schwan's key pizza facility in Salina, KS.
• Lead all process documentation, including line visualization, process flow diagram, process specifications, key factor reports, design matrixes and preliminary control plans.
• Interface with manufacturing and operations engineering departments to identify, educate and implement major cost savings projects or product improvements involving new processes, processing technology, and equipment.
• Work with other R&D groups, Manufacturing, and Engineering to develop process and equipment specifications for existing and new equipment or production lines including any improvement and/or changes.
• Develop, present, and communicate preliminary capital proposals of new processing technology, equipment, or cost reduction opportunities. These may include determination of ROI and other benefits, process or equipment specifications, and estimated capital investment and production capacity and attainment.
• Influence, sell, and obtain buy-in for new and breakthrough technologies.

Skills

CAD drawings

PFD development

Cycle time studies

PLC controls setup

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Food, Chemical, or Mechanical)

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CAD software

ROI analysis tools

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

We are currently seeking our next Principal Process Engineer to work out of the world's largest pizza complex in Salina, KS. In this role you will be responsible for the identification, development, improvement, and testing of complex, new and breakthrough food processing techniques. Incumbent in this position is recognized within CJ Schwan's as a technical expert. The position also supports department and corporation strategies in the areas of process development and engineering, and test runs and specification development.

What You Will Do

• Develop and commercialize breakthrough process technology and new processing equipment within CJ Schwan's key pizza facility in Salina, KS.
• Lead all process documentation, including line visualization, process flow diagram, process specifications, key factor reports, design matrixes and preliminary control plans.
• Interface with manufacturing and operations engineering departments to identify, educate and implement major cost savings projects or product improvements involving new processes, processing technology, and equipment.
• Work with other R&D groups, Manufacturing, and Engineering to develop process and equipment specifications for existing and new equipment or production lines including any improvement and/or changes.
• Develop, present, and communicate preliminary capital proposals of new processing technology, equipment, or cost reduction opportunities. These may include determination of ROI and other benefits, process or equipment specifications, and estimated capital investment and production capacity and attainment.
• Influence, sell, and obtain buy-in for new and breakthrough technologies.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Food, Chemical, or Mechanical) required. Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of engineering experience, ideally focused on manufacturing process equipment within food, beverage or general CPG industries.
• Working knowledge of R&D product development flow from conception to product launch.
• Ability to produce conceptual drawing with a CAD program, develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), cycle time studies, and pay-back calculations.
• Cognition in developing instrument specifications with ISA (Instrument Society of American) format or equivalent.
• Proficiency and comfort in performing equipment sizing and specifications, and PLC controls set-up.

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $178,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].