Process Optimization Engineer

The Process Optimization Engineer leads manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement projects to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product performance across a large food manufacturing network. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, execute process improvements, and support implementation across multiple manufacturing facilities. The position requires deep experience in food manufacturing, strong process troubleshooting skills, and proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement projects focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and product performance enhancement.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, and R&D teams to identify process improvement opportunities and define project priorities.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, variation, and inefficiencies, and develop data-driven solutions to address them.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to design, implement, and sustain process improvements across multiple facilities.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing issues and drive long-term corrective and preventive actions.
• Use statistical tools such as Minitab to perform data analysis, validate process changes, and quantify performance improvements.
• Lead process validation activities to ensure new or improved processes meet operational, quality, and safety requirements.
• Drive operational efficiency improvements through structured problem-solving, standardization, and best practice sharing.
• Collaborate with plant teams on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot equipment and process issues in real time.
• Manage and deliver projects on time and within scope, ensuring measurable business results and cost savings.
• Provide hands-on support in plant operations, pilot plant, and laboratory environments to test, refine, and implement process changes.
• Engage cross-functional stakeholders, communicate project status and results, and ensure alignment on improvement initiatives.
• Support manufacturing transformation efforts, including process innovation, waste reduction, and operational excellence programs.
• Work independently to lead initiatives, prioritize tasks, and maintain accountability for project outcomes.

• 5–8 years of manufacturing process optimization experience.
• Strong background in food manufacturing, with confectionery experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing process engineering and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering manufacturing projects with measurable results.
• Experience in manufacturing troubleshooting and process improvement in plant environments.
• Ability to perform statistical data analysis using tools such as Minitab.
• Experience with process validation and implementing operational efficiency improvements.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex process data.
• Ability to work independently, lead initiatives, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing sites or large-scale manufacturing networks.
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, and R&D.
• Experience in process innovation, waste reduction, and operational excellence programs.
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments with multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities across different plants and initiatives.

This role operates in a mix of office, manufacturing, pilot plant, and laboratory environments, with more than 50% of time spent on the manufacturing floor supporting projects and process improvements. The position requires frequent collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, and R&D teams in a fast-paced continuous improvement setting focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and optimization projects. Travel of up to 50% is required to support plants, projects, and manufacturing initiatives across the network. The work environment offers hands-on involvement in plant operations and exposure to large-scale food manufacturing, providing long-term project ownership, autonomy, and significant visibility with leadership and cross-functional teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hershey, PA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Hershey,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $50 - $80