Process Engineer

Join America's favorite family bakery since 1934-home of Little Debbie, Drake's Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery Granola Bars. Work with legacy brands that bring smiles to faces nationwide, including yours. You'll experience a culture committed to work-life balance, guaranteed time off, and supportive health and wellness offerings. Enjoy profit sharing, long-term job security, and a range of exciting career paths. When you join McKee Foods, you'll discover a better way to live and work.

Pay

Salaried Grade 10, 11, or 13
$90,094 - $130,978 / year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Actual salaries may vary, and in some cases may be higher, depending on extensive experience and strong performance.

Exempt

Schedule

Primarily 1st Shift, Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m. (flexible hours as needed)

On-site

Location

555 McKee Drive, Gentry AR 72734

Job Summary

McKee Foods is seeking a Process Engineer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will play a key part in designing, implementing, and optimizing processes that drive efficiency, reliability, and product quality across our manufacturing and distribution operations. You will be responsible for leading process improvements, supporting the scale-up of new products, and ensuring our facilities operate at peak performance. This position offers the opportunity to work cross-functionally, solve complex challenges, and make a direct impact on the production of our well-known packaged food products.

• Responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and product quality
• Gathers and interprets data to identify and understand root causes of downtime, defects, and inefficiencies
• Collaborates with production, maintenance, and quality assurance teams to investigate chronic issues and implement data-driven solutions
• Develops and executes process improvements by planning and conducting trials, analyzing results, and documenting outcomes
• Supports the transfer of R&D products to full-scale production, ensuring processes are stable and ready for manufacturing teams
• Leads and participates in team meetings, providing technical input and guidance on process-related challenges
• Develops project estimates, budgets, and manages project costs for process improvement initiatives
• Creates and maintains schedules to align with production goals and implementation timelines
• Works closely with plant personnel and other engineers to align processes with organizational objectives
• Researches and applies advancements in process technology and manufacturing best practices
• Specifies and procures equipment, materials, and contracts needed for process enhancement projects
• Designs equipment and manages system installations as needed
• Participates/coordinates meetings and training on various shifts as needed
• Executes other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program
• Minimum 2 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD and or SolidWorks) for process design and layouts
• Solid understanding of process controls and instrumentation
• Strong initiative, problem-solving ability, and self-direction
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace and employee safety
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Willing to coordinate and lead resources to achieve team goals
• Mechanical and Electrical aptitude for understanding equipment operation
• Alignment with McKee Foods' guiding values and objectives
• Willingness to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of related process or engineering experience
• Master's degree in Engineering or Business Administration
• Proven success leading small- to large-scale process improvement projects within tight timelines
• Experience in food manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of sanitary design principles in a food manufacturing facility

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay
• Profit-sharing cash bonus program
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• 25 days Paid Time Off (for vacation, holidays, sick time, personal time, etc.)
• Medical insurance, including health, dental, vision, and prescription drug plan
• Supplemental plans, including life insurance
• Fully-paid parental leave
• Health Center and Pharmacy
• Tuition reimbursement
• Credit Union
• Exercise and recreation facility
• Wellness programs with incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits (company-paid)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer