Senior Process Engineer - TSO

The J.M. Smucker Company; Versailles (LA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company seeks a Senior Process Engineer in the Technical Services Organization (TSO) for New Orleans, LA.

You will coach floor technicians, drive problem solving, and align projects with the plant master plan and long‑term vision, acting as a liaison between R&D and the plant. You will lead coffee processing engineering designs (drying, roasting, grinding, transport) to boost efficiency, capacity, and cost savings; manage projects with cross‑functional teams; and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Food Science.
• 2 years of Engineering, Operations, R&D and/or TSO experience.
• Demonstrated ability to define a problem statement, identify root cause, and develop/implement systemic corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead work effectively and independently given basic coaching and guidance.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and teams across the organization.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Understand fundamentals of coffee processing and apply knowledge to troubleshooting and operational improvements.
• Develop and implement engineering designs specific to coffee processing (drying, roasting, grinding, transport) that will improve efficiencies, increase capacity, and reduce costs.
• Lead projects and initiatives while building consensus across functions as project team leader.
• May act as a Technical Readiness Leader for new product initiatives.
• Apply knowledge of coffee processing equipment to new initiatives and to equipment changes.
• Write and secure approval to test plans required for initiatives and other improvements; execute plans; reports on results.

Skills

Problem solving

Data analysis

Leadership

Team collaboration

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Food Science

Tools

Prodika

TraceGains

JMP

Excel

Job description

Your Opportunity as a Senior Process Engineer - Technical Services Organization (TSO)

The Senior Process Engineer will drive high-performance work culture by engaging with floor technicians, coaching to problem solve, make decisions, and become self-reliant. Organize and prioritize initiatives with plant leadership to help achieve master plan and long-term vision. Act as a liaison between R&D and the plant.

Location: New Orleans, LA

Work Arrangements: 100% on-site

• Typical schedule: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
• Willingness to work off shift (including nights, weekends, and/or holidays) and flow to the work as needed
• Travel: up to 20%

In this Role You Will:

• Understand fundamentals of coffee drying, roasting, and grinding and can apply knowledge to troubleshooting and operational improvements
• Develop and implement engineering designs specific to coffee processing (drying, roasting, grinding, transport) that will improve efficiencies, increase capacity, and reduce costs
• Lead projects and initiatives while building consensus across functions as project team leader
• May act as a Technical Readiness Leader for new product initiatives
• Apply knowledge of coffee processing equipment to new initiatives and to equipment changes
• Write and secure approval to test plans required for initiatives and other improvements; execute plans; reports on results
• Develop project plans that define scope, schedule, budget, business impact, and risks; execute plans to identify obstacles; gains alignment and brings issues to resolution
• Be a technical member of multiple project teams with responsibility for final performance of project
• Develop plans for or supports vendor acceptance testing and for on-site commissioning, qualification, and verification of equipment; leads VATs and startups
• Apply logic in problem-solving and analysis of alternatives to assess the financial and operational impact of business initiatives; assess critical information to make effective decisions or recommendations
• Lead investigation, testing, and validation of new technologies
• Develop consensus agreement amongst the project teams, research and development, quality, engineering leadership, operations, and plant leadership
• Build technical skills for the technology within Engineering & TSO and the broader Operations team
• Create and apply technical standards across equipment categories
• May manage interns

What We are Looking For:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Food Science
• 2 years of Engineering, Operations, R&D and/or TSO experience
• Demonstrated ability to define a problem statement, identify root cause, and develop/implement systemic corrective actions
• Demonstrated ability to lead work effectively and independently given basic coaching and guidance
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and teams across the organization
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

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

• Prior manufacturing operational experience
• Data driven and strong analysis skills
• Capital project and/or start up management experience
• Fundamental understanding of food science / ingredient chemistry
• Experience developing and executing CQV plans and qualifying ingredients / recipes / processes
• Proficient with Prodika and TraceGains
• Proficient with JMP, Excel, or other data analysis tools

TheRight Placefor 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.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.