Plant Engineer

• Design, optimize, and validate packaging systems (primary, secondary, tertiary) for manufacturability, durability, food safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
• Lead plant trials, commissioning runs, and industrialization activities for new packaging formats, materials, and product introductions.
• Develop process control strategies to reduce defects, variation, and spoilage while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct and review packaging performance tests (distribution, climate, drop testing, compatibility, shelf stability).
• Recommend material choices, technologies, and vendor solutions that support product integrity, sustainability, and cost optimization.

• Lead initiatives to eliminate loss, reduce downtime, and increase throughput across production lines.
• Analyze line performance data; implement corrective actions using Lean, Kaizen, TPM, or other Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with plant leadership, operators, and maintenance to prevent recurring equipment issues.
• Provide technical training to operating teams to ensure safe and consistent equipment use and problem resolution.

• Lead all phases of capital projects: front-end engineering, feasibility, scope development, project justification, vendor selection, FAT, commissioning, qualification/verification (CQV), and hand-off to Operations.
• Establish engineering standards and procedures for safety, code compliance, documentation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Prepare cost estimates, track project performance, and deliver outcomes aligned with financial, schedule, and technical targets.
• Manage vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers, ensuring conformance with design requirements, GMP, and food safety standards.

• Act as the technical liaison between Operations, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain to scale new products, materials, ingredients, and manufacturing processes.
• Support ongoing innovation initiatives such as alternative materials, improved automation, sustainability projects, or efficiency enhancements.
• Organize and maintain technical documentation for the site, including CAD drawings, line layouts, P&ID’s, schematics, packaging specifications, SOPs, and validation reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Packaging, Industrial, Chemical, or related field).
• Minimum 3–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; food, beverage, or CPG strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD systems (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Artios, or equivalent) and packaging/engineering specification development.
• Understanding of packaging materials, validation protocols, and distribution testing.
• Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes, reducing downtime, and supporting automation or controls (PLC/instrumentation experience preferred).
• Proven project management capability; able to lead capital implementations and cross-functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, quality, maintenance, suppliers, and leadership teams.
• Must understand and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and BRC guidelines.

• Based on-site at the TruRoots Chico production facility.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, other facilities, or engineering partners may be required.
• Work schedule aligned to production operations; flexibility for off-shifts, weekends, or line trials is expected.
• Environment includes manufacturing floor exposure, machinery, and moderate noise.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TruRoots is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, natural origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

In compliance with federal and state employment laws, TruRoots prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants based on these protective characteristics. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfer compensation, benefits, training, and termination.

We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Our commitment to diversity extends beyond compliance with the law. It is integral to our culture and central to our success as an organization.

Salary : $86,000 - $107,000