Food Process Engineer Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Maintenance Engineer

Job Description

The Process Maintenance Engineer drives continuous improvement initiatives across multiple high-speed production lines, with a focus on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime, eliminating bottlenecks, and increasing line performance toward targeted efficiency goals. This role combines hands-on mechanical troubleshooting with process engineering expertise to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and reliability. The engineer works directly on the production floor and partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams to optimize high-speed filling, packaging, labeling, and automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve OEE, uptime, throughput, and overall production line performance.
• Analyze production KPIs and equipment performance data to identify recurring losses and opportunities for improvement.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment failures and process inefficiencies in real time on the production floor.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across the production process, including filling, packaging, labeling, conveying, and automated material handling systems.
• Support changeovers and SKU transitions by optimizing machine settings, process parameters, and equipment configurations.
• Develop and implement creative engineering solutions that enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to address equipment and process issues.
• Support equipment modifications, upgrades, and process optimization initiatives.
• Assist with capital improvement projects, including equipment installations and process validation activities.
• Monitor process performance and make hands-on adjustments to machinery and production systems as needed.
• Collaborate with operators and production leadership to sustain improvements and establish best practices across production lines.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously while maintaining strong communication with cross-functional teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food production, or high-volume production environment.
• Strong understanding of OEE, downtime reduction strategies, and manufacturing KPI analysis.
• Proven experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean, Six Sigma, or similar tools.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and automated production lines.
• Experience supporting filling, packaging, bottling, labeling, conveying, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment and process issues directly on the production floor.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to improve uptime, throughput, and key manufacturing performance indicators.
• Ability to manage multiple continuous improvement and engineering projects concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing process engineering, including process optimization and bottleneck reduction.
• in line performance improvement and production support for high-speed operations.
• Exposure to high-speed packaging or filling equipment such as filling machines, bottling lines, packaging lines, and labeling systems.
• Familiarity with automated production lines, conveyors, and automated material handling systems.
• Experience working in environments focused on continuous improvement and OEE enhancement.
• Comfort working in a hands-on engineering role where ideas are implemented quickly and results are visible in real time.
• Interest in driving meaningful improvements in throughput, reliability, and overall manufacturing performance within a growing, industry-leading environment.

Work Environment

The role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that supports high-speed filling, packaging, and labeling operations. The position is highly collaborative, working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams on a daily basis. The engineer maintains a strong, hands-on presence on the plant floor, frequently interacting with production equipment, performing troubleshooting activities, and leading process optimization and improvement projects. The environment emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and direct visibility to plant leadership, offering the opportunity to own and improve critical production lines while seeing the impact of engineering solutions in real time.

This is a Contract position based out of Greensboro, NC.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Greensboro,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.