Senior Process Engineer, Pet Snacks

J.m. Smucker; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

J.M. Smucker's Pet Snacks team is seeking a Senior Process Engineer in Topeka, KS. You will drive safety, quality and productivity while supporting annual launch of new products (Meow Mix, Pup-Peroni) and lead capital projects to upgrade our facility.

You will own CQV for new projects, guide fellow engineers, coach teams on problem solving, and apply Smucker CI methods to achieve a zero-loss culture, data reliability, and continuous improvement across the line.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
• 2+ years of manufacturing/engineering experience.
• Experience learning technical processes and systems.
• Proven use of formal problem solving methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Enhance safety, quality, and productivity by eliminating defects and driving loss-saving initiatives.
• Own CQV process for new projects and coordinate between engineering and operations.
• Coach teams to problem‑solve and make decisions.
• Develop expert understanding of manufacturing processes and provide technical support.
• Foster zero-loss culture and apply continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Engineering experience

Problem solving

Learning new processes

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Full job description: Your Opportunity as the Senior Process Engineer. Join our Pet Snacks team during an exciting time of growth and innovation for brands like Meow Mix and Pup-Peroni! Take on a pivotal role in supporting the launch of new products annually while utilizing data to optimize efficiency and elevate product quality. Guide fellow Process Engineers on the team and contribute to substantial capital projects aimed at enhancing our facility and constructing new office complexes.

Location: Topeka, KS plant. Work Arrangements: 100% on-site (M-F, 6:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.).

In this role you will:

• Enhance overall safety, quality, and productivity in the Department area by eliminating defects, identifying and executing loss‑saving initiatives, and building capability in the operating teams.
• Own the Commissioning, Qualification and Verification (CQV) process for new projects. Act as single point of contact and key organizational leader between engineering and operations team to ensure full involvement during project execution and seamless transition during turnover to operations.
• Drive high‑performance work culture by engaging with team members on the floor and coaching to problem‑solve, make decisions, and become self‑reliant.
• Develop an expert level understanding of the manufacturing process, mechanics, instrumentation, and product specifications of your designated line/area; provide technical support to the line/area teams.
• Coach operating teams and leadership to root‑cause identification and elimination of losses.
• Address gaps in line/area performance through the implementation and effective coaching of Smucker Continuous Improvement methodologies; foster a zero‑loss culture.
• Own a safety and/or quality key element.
• Participate in training and qualification programs for designated line/area; participate in assessments, ensure effective training, and maintain consistent qualification standards.
• Ensure data reliability for designated line/area in our Proficy plant applications software, including improving methods for collecting accurate data.
• Organize and prioritize initiatives to help meet department master plan and plant long‑term vision.
• Help organization stay current with applicable new technologies/ingredients.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• 2+ years of manufacturing/engineering experience
• Proven ability to learn technical processes and systems
• Demonstrated use of formal problem solving methodologies

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

• A Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering degree
• Food manufacturing experience
• Project management skills and technical problem‑solving capability

Learn more about working at Smucker:

• Our Total Rewards Benefits Program
• Our Thriving Together Philosophy Supporting All Impacted by Our Business
• Our Continued Progress on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity