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Production Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Production Engineer supports, directs, and coordinates processes and process changes primarily for the pulp dryer. This role adopts, promotes, and makes process recommendations based on best ...

The Production Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and support to ensure that currently defined processes meet or exceed targets in terms of SHE, quality, productivity and cost.

Production Engineer

Winona, MN · On-site

$84K - $123K/yr

The Production Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and support to ensure that currently defined processes meet or exceed targets in terms of SHE, quality, productivity and cost.

Production Engineer II

Chaska, MN · On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Production Engineering Position Profile: The Production Engineer is primarily responsible for the technical management, maintenance and development of new and existing motor production processes.

We are seeking an experienced Production Engineer with a strong focus on Continuous Improvement to join our team in New Hope, MN. In this role, you will be focused on driving large-scale, strategic ...

We are seeking an experienced Production Engineer with a strong focus on Continuous Improvement to join our team in New Hope, MN. In this role, you will be focused on driving large-scale, strategic ...

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Production Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$49.5K

$129K

$141K

How much do production engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for production engineer in Minnesota is $128,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,100.00 and $140,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production engineer?

A production engineer works in industrial settings to streamline processes and maximize efficiency. As a production engineer, your job duties include analyzing the quality of current procedures and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing strategies to reduce waste and boost productivity. The role requires strong observational and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate complex, highly technical concepts to non-technical colleagues and company management. You can find production engineer jobs in the manufacturing industry and with government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma methodologies, and manufacturing execution systems (MES) is typically required, and certifications like Lean Manufacturing or PMP can be beneficial. Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills for this role. These skills enable Production Engineers to enhance production efficiency, ensure product quality, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by production engineers in a manufacturing environment?

Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing production processes to improve efficiency while maintaining product quality. They must troubleshoot equipment malfunctions promptly to minimize downtime and collaborate closely with maintenance, quality assurance, and operations teams. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and implementing process improvements within tight deadlines requires strong problem-solving skills and effective communication. Balancing cost control with production targets is also a frequent consideration.

What is the difference between Production Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProduction EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Six Sigma
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, process optimizationFactories, process improvement, equipment design
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial productionManufacturing, process development
Common Search IntentProduction process, efficiency, operationsManufacturing processes, equipment, process design

Production Engineers focus on optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring smooth operations, while Manufacturing Engineers concentrate on designing and improving manufacturing systems and equipment. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries and often overlap in skills and work environment.

What is the salary of a production engineer?

The average salary of a production engineer in the United States is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can vary based on certifications, technical skills, and the complexity of the manufacturing environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Production Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Production Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,956 per year, or $62 per hour.

Production Engineer

Sappi

Cloquet, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate trials with technical groups to meet productivity, quality, and safety goals.

  • Troubleshoot and identify solutions to daily productivity and quality issues.

  • Develop and manage operator training materials and operating procedures for all unit operations.


Sappi rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

The Production Engineer supports, directs, and coordinates processes and process changes primarily for the pulp dryer. This role adopts, promotes, and makes process recommendations based on best practices and current technical information. The Production Engineer utilizes knowledge of product design, quality control systems, raw materials, and equipment capabilities to provide technical advice and service. The position also supports projects, including Lean Six Sigma.
Additionally, the Production Engineer supports improved productivity, operating costs, and product quality through training, work instructions, and SOPs. The role provides estimates of savings and increased productivity through trial work and the management of change process (MOC).
Requirements:
  • Understanding of pulp dryer operations is preferred.
  • BS degree in Engineering, paper science, or equivalent is required.
  • Minimum 1-5 years prior experience in paper manufacturing or other manufacturing.
  • Computer knowledge - background in Microsoft suite, Minitab, Proficy, SAP, etc. is preferred.
  • Lean Six Sigma training is preferred.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.

Major Job Responsibilities:
The Production Engineer will be a key member of the pulp dryer management team. This position will work collaboratively with the Superintendent, Maintenance Coordinator, Shift Supervisors, and Operating crews to meet safety, quality, production, and financial objectives for the pulp dryer operations area. Some key responsibilities include:
  • Coordinating trials with technical groups to meet established productivity, quality and safety goals.
  • Troubleshooting and identifying solutions to daily productivity and quality issues.
  • Developing and managing operator training materials and operating procedures for all unit operations
  • Estimates production times and related costs to provide information for management decisions. Works collaboratively with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
  • Applies statistical methods and data analysis methods to troubleshoot and improve operations.
  • Drive process improvement by leading Lean Six Sigma projects, identifying project solutions including capital and non-capital solutions, and participate on project teams to implement solutions.
  • Plan and coordinate long-term enhancement projects necessary to improve safety, quality, efficiency, productivity and reduce costs.
  • Partner with the other operating areas in paper and pulp operations to achieve and maintain the budgeted uptime, yield and overall efficiency.

The Production Engineer supports, directs, and coordinates processes and process changes primarily for the pulp dryer. This role adopts, promotes, and makes process recommendations based on best practices and current technical information. The Production Engineer utilizes knowledge of product design, quality control systems, raw materials, and equipment capabilities to provide technical advice and service. The position also supports projects, including Lean Six Sigma.
Additionally, the Production Engineer supports improved productivity, operating costs, and product quality through training, work instructions, and SOPs. The role provides estimates of savings and increased productivity through trial work and the management of change process (MOC).
Requirements:
  • Understanding of pulp dryer operations is preferred.
  • BS degree in Engineering, paper science, or equivalent is required.
  • Minimum 1-5 years prior experience in paper manufacturing or other manufacturing.
  • Computer knowledge - background in Microsoft suite, Minitab, Proficy, SAP, etc. is preferred.
  • Lean Six Sigma training is preferred.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.

Major Job Responsibilities:
The Production Engineer will be a key member of the pulp dryer management team. This position will work collaboratively with the Superintendent, Maintenance Coordinator, Shift Supervisors, and Operating crews to meet safety, quality, production, and financial objectives for the pulp dryer operations area. Some key responsibilities include:
  • Coordinating trials with technical groups to meet established productivity, quality and safety goals.
  • Troubleshooting and identifying solutions to daily productivity and quality issues.
  • Developing and managing operator training materials and operating procedures for all unit operations
  • Estimates production times and related costs to provide information for management decisions. Works collaboratively with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
  • Applies statistical methods and data analysis methods to troubleshoot and improve operations.
  • Drive process improvement by leading Lean Six Sigma projects, identifying project solutions including capital and non-capital solutions, and participate on project teams to implement solutions.
  • Plan and coordinate long-term enhancement projects necessary to improve safety, quality, efficiency, productivity and reduce costs.
  • Partner with the other operating areas in paper and pulp operations to achieve and maintain the budgeted uptime, yield and overall efficiency.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
ABOUT SAPPI
Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.
HR Contact for Questions:
Name: Danna Dahn
Email: danna.dahn@sappi.com
Telephone number: 218-879-2393

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