What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Performance Engineer position at Catelli Family of Foods?
Overview
Drive plant performance by improving production capacity, operational productivity, and raw material utilization in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role acts as a key orchestrator of plant performance, translating data into actionable initiatives and ensuring disciplined execution on the plant floor. The candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with hands-on leadership to deliver measurable and sustainable performance improvements. This role will report to the Senior Engineer Project Manager.
Role Focus: Core Drivers of Plant Performance
This role is structured around three critical performance pillars:
- Capacity (OEE & Top Losses): Maximize throughput by identifying and eliminating major production losses
- Productivity (Methods & Flow): Improve line efficiency, workflow execution, and operational consistency
- Material (Yield & Giveaway): Optimize raw material usage and minimize processing losses and product giveaway
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze plant performance metrics including OEE, capacity, yield, and loss data to identify improvement opportunities
- Lead Top Loss identification efforts, conduct root cause analysis, and drive sustainable corrective actions
- Develop and implement initiatives to improve material utilization and reduce giveaway through data-driven decision-making
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on increasing capacity, enhancing productivity, and optimizing process performance
- Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Pareto analysis, 5 Whys, A3 problem solving, SMED, and standard work) to eliminate inefficiencies and sustain results
- Act as a performance orchestrator across operations, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure alignment and execution
- Support the identification, prioritization, and justification of high-ROI improvement initiatives
- Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor to ensure initiatives are effectively implemented and sustained
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 7–12 years of experience in manufacturing with a proven track record of improving operational performance
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
- Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms
- Hands-on experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
- English required; Spanish is a plus
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated experience working with OEE systems, MES platforms, or production data collection tools
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable plans for frontline teams
- Experience leading Kaizen events or continuous improvement workshops
- Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and follow-through
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment with shifting priorities
- Willingness to spend significant time on the plant floor (50–70%)
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support production schedules
- Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMPs) is preferred
- Maintain and update product master data in the Aspen Canopy ERP system, including product codes, descriptions, weights, pack sizes, categories, and related attributes.
- Coordinate new product setups and updates with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Sales, Accounting, and Operations.
- Manage and update product information across external customer and vendor portals to ensure alignment with internal systems.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy of product data across all systems and platforms.
- Monitor, identify, and resolve data discrepancies impacting orders, invoicing, EDI transactions, and portal submissions.
- Support product data imports, exports, and validation processes to maintain data integrity.
- Assist in continuous improvement initiatives related to data governance and process efficiency.
***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***
Pay: $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $125,000 - $135,000