Production Engineer
Jack Link's Protein Snacks - Laurens, IA
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Job DescriptionThe Production Engineer supports daily manufacturing plant operations by ensuring production equipment is reliable, well-maintained, and performing at target efficiency. This role focuses on day-to-day troubleshooting, Preventive maintenance support, and process improvement initiatives that drive uptime, safety, and product quality. Working closely with Maintenance Technicians, Plant Operations, and Food Safety Quality, the Production Engineer provides technical expertise and daily hands-on maintenance support to sustain production and improve long-term equipment health. DIRECT REPORTS1. NoneDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential job Functions)Support Maintenance and Plant Operations (60%)As part of the maintenance team, support the plant operations team to diagnose and resolve equipment failures and performance issues.Provide technical support to maintenance personnel during troubleshooting and repair activities.Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to extend equipment life and reduce unplanned downtime.Develop and standardize maintenance procedures and technical documentation for key equipment.Analyze downtime and reliability data to identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions.Conduct root cause analyses and implement solutions to prevent reoccurrence.Participate in daily maintenance and production meetings to align priorities and resources.When needed, lead and/or support production equipment setups, changeovers, and cleaning.Support site maintenance as needed. All other duties as assigned.Equipment and Process Improvement (25%)Evaluate maintenance and operational practices for efficiency and cost reduction opportunities.Work with Maintenance Technicians and operators to improve changeovers, cleaning procedures, and setups.Assist in training maintenance and plant operations personnel on equipment functionality and best practices.Recommend upgrades or modifications to improve maintainability and performance.Lead or support improvement projects to enhance reliability, throughput, and product consistency.Project and Capital Support (15%)Support capital and reliability projects related to equipment replacement, rebuilds, and upgrades.Participate in project scoping, design, installation, and start-up commissioning.Ensure all project activities meet food safety, safety, and environmental standards. QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE2+ years of formal education in chemical, mechanical, electrical or similar fields or equivalent work experience.3+ years of experience in maintenance or reliability engineering within a manufacturing environment.Proven track record of improving equipment performance and reducing downtime.Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex process issues.Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesDeep understanding of industrial mechanical and electrical control systemsAdvanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsFamiliarity with predictive technologies (vibration, thermography, oil analysis).Knowledge of maintenance planning, CMMS utilization, and equipment life-cycle management.Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.Preferred skills and qualificationsFood or CPG manufacturing experience (meat processing a plus).Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.Professional certification in process engineering or related areas.Experience with process automation and control systems.Knowledge of automation and control systems, such as SCADA and PLC.Knowledge of process simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.Solid understanding of quality management systems, such as ISO standards.Additional InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.E-VERIFY: Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Created: 2025-11-07