Senior Product and Process Engineer

Who We Are

At Ghirardelli, we’re on the verge of becoming a billion-dollar brand and beyond. Our vision is to be every consumer’s first choice for premium chocolate—achieved not only through our exceptional products but also through the way we do business. Everything we do is inspired by our brand commitment to Making Life a Bite Better. We are a company that values both personal and professional growth. Every employee plays a vital role in our success, and we believe that our collective contributions are what drive Ghirardelli forward.

Position Summary:

Ghirardelli is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Product & Process Engineer to lead and support innovation initiatives across our manufacturing facilities in San Leandro, CA and Stratham, NH. This role is pivotal in driving the industrialization of new products, managing product transfers, and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of experience in a related engineering or manufacturing field, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the chocolate or confectionery industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the industrialization of new products from pilot to full-scale production.
• Collaborate across multiple sites, leveraging strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills by influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Manage the technical aspect of product transfers between facilities, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption.
• Support Operations with machine and process troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement process innovations and improvements.
• Serve as a technical expert on manufacturing lines and processes, developing a deep knowledge of all equipment and operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Quality, and Engineering teams.
• Support capital projects and equipment commissioning related to new product introductions in both factories.
• Identify and analyze production data to identify trends, root causes, and innovative opportunities for improvement.
• Create and improve process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Work independently with a minimum of guidance to meet the company objectives.
• Support loss reduction and eradication through the Lean Manufacturing process.
• Lead process improvements through use of statistical analysis and modeling.
• A deep, hands-on understanding of existing products and processes—gained through daily operational support—is essential to successfully industrializing new products and technologies. This foundational knowledge ensures that innovations are both practical and seamlessly integrated into current manufacturing systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering or equivalent field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5–8 years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering role.
• Experience in the chocolate, confectionery, or food industry strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional projects and driving innovation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel between San Leandro, CA and Stratham, NH as needed.

Other Job Requirements:

• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally required work in hot or cold factory conditions
• Occasionally required to work in noisy and dusty conditions
• Occasionally required to navigate uneven equipment surfaces and elevated positions
• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours in an office environment
• Must be able to travel up to 25% of time, including some international travel

Salary: $120000 to $130000/yr.

Why Join Us?

At Ghirardelli, we blend tradition with innovation to craft premium chocolate experiences. Join a team where your expertise will directly impact the future of our products and processes, and where your contributions are valued and celebrated.