Manufacturing Engineer – Indianapolis
Location: Indianapolis IN
Full Time – Indianapolis, IN, US
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and improving the processes
and equipment across the plant working cross-functionally with other teams. This role focuses on
supporting daily production activities, optimizing food manufacturing processes, ensuring equipment
reliability, improving product quality, reducing waste, and maintaining compliance with all food safety
and regulatory requirements. The engineer also leads and supports cross-functional packaging projects
to develop/improve packaging based on product and customer requirements, packaging equipment,
and processes ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency across diverse product formats.
Essential Functions
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze production data to establish baselines and track improvements.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to identify bottlenecks,
downtime causes, and improvement opportunities and to improve line efficiency, reduce waste,
improve changeover time, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Conduct root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto) for production issues and implement
corrective/preventive actions.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), line settings, and process
parameters.
• Work with Quality Assurance teams to maintain product specifications, reduce quality defects, and
enhance process capability.
• Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement, and space requirements to improve efficiency.
• Assist with feasibility assessments and cost estimates for new products and packaging by providing
technical input, cost estimates, and line capability evaluations.
• Work closely with R&D and Operations teams to create new products and processes from concept
to production through every step of the commercialization process.
• Lead and manage engineering projects, including line modifications, equipment upgrades, and
packaging changes.
• Support or lead equipment commissioning, testing, and validation.
• Support cross-functional product-launch or -change processes with focus on manufacturing
processes and product packaging ensuring food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements are
met.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to troubleshoot packaging
issues and drive sustainable solutions.
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, and other data and provide management with
reports and statistics to support decision-making.
• All other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; food or bakery experience
preferred.
• Hands-on experience supporting or engineering high-speed food manufacturing/packaging
processes and equipment.
• Experience with commercialization and project management of new product launches.
• Experience of developing and improving product packaging.
• Experience with continuous improvement practices and manufacturing engineering principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work directly on the production floor.
• Ability to multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines under pressure in a fast-paced
production environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills in English and ability to collaborate across functions.
• Knowledge of food safety laws/regulation (FSMA, GMP), programs/systems (HACCP, SSOP), and
regulatory requirements (OSHA, FDA).
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in food manufacturing or industrial bakery operations.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other Cl tools (certification a plus).
• Experience supporting customer quotes or cost modeling for machinery and packaging
changes.
• Working experience with AutoCAD and/or other similar software.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
• Production lines run reliably across the plant without recurring issues.
• New products and packages are launched successfully with no major issues.
• Product and/or packaging changes are implemented efficiently and accurately.
• Measurable improvements in line efficiency, waste reduction, and changeover time.
• Projects are delivered on time and aligned with operational needs.
• Positive feedback from other teams.
• Consistently meeting or exceeding targets that fuel the company’s growth.
Work Environment
• Frequently works in a manufacturing setting with flour dust, squatting, bending, fast pace, and
noise.
• Frequently works with production, sanitation, and quality personnel around various types of
production machinery.
• Frequently exposed to wet/humid, high/low temperature environments.
• Exposure to steam, chemicals, and elevated platforms.
Physical Demands
• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand 8–12 hours daily.
• Ability to walk, bend, squat, lift, and use hands.
• Availability for occasional off‑shift, weekend, or on‑call support.
