The Process Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements across Home Chef fulfillment plants, with primary focus on machine operations. 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 critical machinery, 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

More About Us

POSITION SUMMARY: With minimal supervision, performs duties as assigned by management in commissioning, startup, testing and adjusting, repair and maintenance, and/or rebuilding of electrical equipment, engines, generators in the field, in a safe and efficient manner.  This position will also be responsible for working on projects from start to finish, planning and the laying out the work details as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Adheres strictly to all Hawthorne’s safety, housekeeping, credit, and other rules, policies and procedures.
2. Maintains a favorable business relationship with customers, suppliers, and personnel from other departments.
3. Conducts customer training in proper use of electrical equipment.
4. In collaboration with sales reps, identifies revenue growth opportunities.
5. Performs new and used equipment start-up for delivery to end-user.
6. Troubleshoots electrical problems in Caterpillar and allied products.
7. Completes all required work order related documentation in a timely manner and per job requirements.
8. Makes warranty recommendations and prepares reports when performing warranty service jobs.
9. Troubleshoots capabilities including relay calibrations, use of load and power quality recording instrumentation, infrared scanners, medium voltage breaker, and switchgear testing.
10. Tests and troubleshoots complex electrical systems, moderately complex relay systems, and power metering.
11. Tests, calibrates, and repairs safety devices and switching equipment as part of generator support systems. 
12. Performs A.C. and D.C. electrical troubleshooting and repairs.
13. Attends training classes as directed and obtains passing grades in all.
14. Implements all NFPA 70E arc flash standards and the correct use of all related PPE.
15. Diagnoses system and component failures.
16. Handles Equipment Condition Reporting.
17. Analyzes all Caterpillar/Allied products and related Power Generation equipment systems and components for proper operation in arrangement application based on theory of design.
18. Performs installation surveys and defines corrective actions needed to assure proper systems functions. 
19. Performs infrared thermography including detailed reports on findings and action.
20. Performs and records generator insulation tests.
21. Performs resistive/reactive load testing of generators.
22. Makes wiring connections and power up checks on EPG installations and field adjustments and setting changes based on actual system performance, including voltage regulators, governors, load and VAR sharing devices.
23. Defines, documents and performs system level surveys and audits, based on coordination study and support systems, and ensure installed equipment performs as required by contract documentation.
24. Removes, installs, reconditions, repairs engines, and makes necessary adjustments on the engine as well as to the components in the various systems, such as water pumps, fuel pumps, turbochargers, generators, compressors, coolers, carburetor, and cylinder heads.
25. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
26. Conducts other duties as assigned by the reporting Manager.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Must have or be willing to acquire state certification/license as necessary to perform job.
2. Must fully understand and implement all NFPA 70E arc flash standards and the correct use of all related PPE.
3. Able to demonstrate proficiency in reading technical data and schematic drawings.
4. Must have a valid California class C driver license with a clean driving record.
5. Minimum of five years of experience in the repair and maintenance of Industrial / EPG/ Marine power generation and electrical distribution gear preferred.
6. Must have working electrical knowledge and testing capabilities.
7. Must understand basic and advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of systems.
8. Must have working knowledge of transfer switches, switch gear and operation.
9. Must be capable of reading and troubleshooting from electrical prints and / or drawings.
10. Must have high school diploma or equivalent, or can provide verification of combined education and work/hands-on experience related to electrical equipment repairs.
11. Must furnish own hand tools and sufficient test tooling to perform diagnostics on power gen products.
12. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to document and record site and equipment conditions, prepare written work procedures, and work scope documents.  Must be able to prepare final reports suitable for presentation to end user.
13. Must be proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, CAT ET and SIS, and be able to work with related computer programs associated with system controllers and devices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Willing to travel at least 40% of the time.
2. Walking and moving about on foot often through uneven terrain.
3. Hands/arms operating equipment, hand and power tools.
4. Handling: Works with hands.
5. Lifting: Raises or lowers miscellaneous equipment parts and tools. May lift up to 60 lbs. with frequent exertion.
6. Reaching: Extends hands and arms in any direction.
7. Stooping: Bends body downward and forward by bending at knees or waist.
8. Standing: Remains in standing position if required for certain repair or maintenance work.
9. Climbing: In and out of equipment.
10. Vision: Reads work tickets, parts and service books and operate heavy equipment.
11. Talking: Communicates via telecommunications and in person.
12. Hearing: Hears well enough to discern mechanical problems for safety in and around shop and construction sites and to receive communication by radio, phone and in person.
13. Sitting: Sits in equipment and vehicles.
14. Lying: Lies in prone position under equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL:          

1. Noise: Works in conditions with constant or intermittent noise.
2. Temperatures/Weather: Works outside and in shop with variations of temperature and weather.
3. Exposure: Foul odors, fumes and harsh substances.

Here’s what we Offer…

• Competitive Compensation
• A great work environment and culture
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Training
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Medical Video Appointments available
• Health Savings Account available
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Pay
• 401(k) Plan + Company Matching
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Legal Plan
• Travel Assistance Plan
• Wellness Programs
• Referral Bonus Program
• Longevity Bonus Program
• Recognition Programs and much more
• Hawthorne CAT discounts
• Boot Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company-Supplied Uniforms
• Advanced Technical Training
• Estimated Compensation $50.00 - $60.00 per hour