What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Improvement Engineer position at Northern Gold?
Feel Good with Northern Gold! Northern Gold Foods is a co-manufacturer of breakfast and snack products for some of the most successful brands in the world. Our family and team-oriented spirit is an important part of the company's culture. Founding principles such as commitment to quality, personalized customer service and consistency of product, upon which the company was built, remain vital to our success.
We're seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to join the team at our facility in Junction City just north of the airport in Eugene, Oregon.
Why we need you
Our Junction City production facility is dedicated to producing high-quality products while continuously improving efficiency, safety, and consistency. To meet growing demand and enhance our operational performance, we're looking for a Process Improvement Engineer who can identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and lead initiatives that drive measurable results. Your expertise will help us reduce waste, improve yield, and ensure we meet our commitment to excellence in every product we deliver.
Who you'll be working with
You'll collaborate closely with plant management and cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering. By working alongside skilled operators, technicians, and leaders, you'll play a critical role in implementing projects that elevate our performance. Together, you'll foster a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring our facility remains a reliable and efficient part of our business.
Who you are
You are a results-driven problem solver with strong analytical skills and the ability to see both the details and the bigger picture. You thrive in collaborative environments, bringing people together to implement meaningful change. With a solid technical background in food production and a strong understanding of process optimization, you're ready to lead projects that deliver lasting impact. You're also an effective communicator and mentor, eager to share knowledge and coach others in continuous improvement practices.
- Analyze and evaluate manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct root cause analyses to resolve operational issues, equipment malfunctions, and production challenges.
- Lead high-impact process improvement projects that increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve yield.
- Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement changes and achieve performance goals.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, health standards, and company quality guidelines.
- Use data-driven methods to measure performance, track project outcomes, and drive decision-making.
- Train, mentor, and coach plant personnel on continuous improvement methodologies and best practices.
What you bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field.
- 5-10 years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply data.
- Proven project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive measurable change.
- Technical knowledge of cereal and baking science, ingredient functionality, and processing equipment preferred.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality standards; HACCP and SQF experience preferred.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, process mapping, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and influence others.
Benefits and Perks
- Medical and Dental Insurance
- Basic Life Insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) with Company Match
- PTO & 8 Paid Holidays
- Education Assistance
Beyond the excellent benefits and competitive compensation, Northern Gold Foods proudly offers a rich history, steeped in tradition and taking pride in its commitment to quality!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or protected veteran status.
Northern Gold Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.