Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer

About the role

As a Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership to improve safety, quality, waste reduction, and operational efficiency across the manufacturing network. Leveraging deep engineering expertise, this role develops manufacturing capability and drives breakthrough performance through collaboration with teams across the enterprise. The position may be based at our corporate headquarters in Hopkins, Minnesota, or performed remotely with up to 50% travel to our factory locations for system deployment.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processing and packaging systems to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop and deploy enterprise-wide manufacturing strategies, standards, and best practices to maximize operational performance and reduce variation.
• Lead high-impact cost savings, material optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across the manufacturing network.
• Partner with Manufacturing, R&D, and Capital Engineering to develop process and equipment standards and ensure successful implementation of new products, technologies, and capital projects.
• Leverage advanced analytics and technical expertise to identify losses, solve complex problems, and drive sustainable performance improvements.
• Provide technical leadership and governance for manufacturing systems, ensuring standardization, sustainment, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, training, and knowledge sharing while maintaining technical documentation and best-practice resources.
• Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for assigned technologies and represent the organization in industry forums to benchmark and advance manufacturing excellence.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing systems engineering.
• Bachelor of Science Degree; Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Experience in Food Manufacturing or CPG, with knowledge of USDA, FDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
• Leadership of structured problem-solving approaches (e.g., Lean, Six-Sigma, or TPM).
• Experience in the development and use of statistical models and data analytics.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Benefits

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.