Principal Process Engineer

Keurig Dr Pepper; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401k with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual bonus based on performance

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper is looking for a Principal Process Engineer at their Spartanburg Manufacturing Site. This full-time position involves leading initiatives to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate waste through structured problem-solving and lean methodologies.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, 3+ years of experience, and knowledge of tools like Minitab and Power BI. A commitment to continuous improvement and a hands-on approach are crucial for success.

Join KDP to be part of a leading beverage company that values your career growth!

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Green Belt and Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and eliminate sources of waste across manufacturing operations.
• Drive operational excellence through structured problem-solving.
• Monitor and analyze process performance data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Lean methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Job Overview

Looking for a fresh start? A company helps grow your skillset and advance your career. Apply today! We are happy to speak with you about your experience and how you may be a fit within our teams. Lots of exciting things are happening at KDP and we'd love for you to be a part of it! Want to see more? Visit our website to view short clips and information. You may also view all of our current openings on our Careers Page: KDP Careers -Spartanburg.

The Principal Process Engineer will support the KDP Spartanburg Manufacturing Site, reporting to the Senior Process Improvement Manager. This role is instrumental in identifying and eliminating sources of waste across manufacturing operations. The Sr. Process Engineer will drive operational excellence through structured problem‑solving, lean methodologies, continuous improvement initiatives, and change management. The ideal candidate is passionate about optimizing processes, reducing variability, enhancing efficiency, and driving engagement in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

Shift & Schedule

This is a full‑time position working Day Shift Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as scheduled is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify and eliminate the eight sources of waste (e.g., downtime, defects, overproduction, motion, inventory, waiting, transportation, and underutilized talent)
• Lead and support structured problem‑solving activities (e.g., RCCMs, A3s, DMAIC projects) and change management initiatives to drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to implement process changes that enhance safety, quality, and throughput
• Understand how plant systems work and assist in training, teaching, and coaching frontline team members on those systems
• Facilitate and support kaizen events, problem‑solving workshops, and project team meetings to solve operational and financial problems
• Monitor and analyze process performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Support the development and implementation of standard work and visual management tools
• Assist in training frontline teams on problem‑solving tools and lean daily management
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the plant

Total Rewards

• $100,000 – $130,000

Where applicable: Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors.

• Benefits eligible day one!
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Engineering or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Green Belt and Black Belt certification preferred
• Proven experience with problem‑solving tools and successfully implementing process changes to positively impact the manufacturing site
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with proficiency in structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and engage teams at all levels
• Hands‑on approach with a strong bias for action and delivering results
• Proficiency with Minitab, Excel, and Power BI preferred
• Experience with basic mechanical and/or electrical systems is a plus
• Ability to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 lbs repeatedly

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 an employer 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.