Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We're eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef's offerings.

The Process Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements across the Lithia Springs location, with primary focus on centralized portioning operations, including automated liquid filling and vibratory filling processes. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to improve process efficiency, equipment reliability and adherence to standard work processes.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Process Ownership & Standard Work

• Own centralized portioning processes by developing, and maintaining standard work, operating parameters, and process documentation for portioning systems
• Develop, track and analyze key process performance indicators (KPIs) for centralized portioning operations, using data and on-floor observations to identify variability, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities impacting safety, quality, throughput and yield.
• Lead scoping & implementation of process improvements and updates to standard work, ensuring changes are practical, sustainable, and aligned with day-to-day operational activities.

On the Floor Support & Training

• Maintain regular on-floor presence to observe process execution and assist with real-time troubleshooting of portioning operations.
• Coach machine operators, leads, and supervisors on proper process execution and equipment operation, reinforcing adherence to standard work and expected performance standards.
• Develop, update, and deliver training materials tied to standard work to build operator capability and support sustained process improvements.

Cross-functional Integration

• Serve as a key liaison between plant operations and cross-functional partners, including maintenance, engineering, and corporate CI teams to communicate process needs, issues, and improvement opportunities. .
• Support process trials, new product trials, and process or equipment changes.

This position requires <10% travel

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred; strong candidates may have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operational excellence roles.
• Experience supporting and improving automated machinery, with a working understanding of mechanical systems, controls interactions, and equipment operating parameters.
  Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to drive results, manage conflict, build alignment, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and with external partners.
  Strong project management skills, with experience prioritizing multiple workstreams and facilitating structured problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using Excel to analyze data, build models, and clearly communicate insights to partners.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a can-do mindset, focused on finding solutions and enabling progress rather than identifying obstacles. Demonstrated willingness to take initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and take on work of varying size and complexity.
  High energy, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to influence without authority while maintaining flexibility and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while also diving into the details required to execute and sustain improvements.
• Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field (please describe): STEM degree such as Chemical or Mechanical Engineering and 1-2 years of experience in operations strongly preferred

Perks and benefits

• Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
• Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
• 401k program
• Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses

We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.

We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.

We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.

We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you'll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.

We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at [email protected].

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