Process Improvement Specialist

What We're Looking For

A hands-on, data-driven technician who can troubleshoot and improve equipment performance — especially pick-and-place robotics — while identifying opportunities, working with teams to implement solutions, and delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, downtime, and cost.

Job Summary

The Process Improvement Technician will help improve bakery manufacturing operations by identifying opportunities to increase productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and cost effectiveness — with a strong focus on troubleshooting and improving pick-and-place robotics and automated equipment. This role will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to diagnose equipment issues, implement improvements, and track results.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and support preventive maintenance on production equipment, including pick-and-place robotics and automated systems.
• Analyze production data and KPIs to identify trends, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities, particularly around robot pick-and-place performance.
• Lead and support continuous improvement projects from planning through implementation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, downtime, rework, labor costs, and production inefficiencies.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring equipment issues and escalate findings to Engineering.
• Develop and maintain KPI dashboards and reports to measure operational and equipment performance.
• Support installation, changeovers, and startup of new or modified equipment.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and parts usage logs.
• Follow all safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and GMP procedures.
• Share successful improvement practices across departments and support a culture of continuous improvement.
• Travel to other company facilities as needed to support equipment installs, troubleshooting, or knowledge-sharing across sites.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in process improvement, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Food or bakery manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience troubleshooting robotics, PLCs, and automated equipment preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies preferred.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with employees at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with computer systems, including Excel and KPI dashboards or data reporting tools.
• Ability to work overtime when needed.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribe to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or employees are considered for hire, promotion, and job status, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability.

Pay: $33.00 - $39.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person