Technical Process Expert

Description:

ABOUT CATALINA SNACKS:

We are a fast-growing food company developing, producing, and marketing Better for You Cereals and Snacks that are low carb, low sugar and Keto-friendly. We sell our products online utilizing our company-owned e-commerce store as well as other reputable distributors such as Amazon, Walmart.com and other leading marketplaces. In fact, our products are currently available in over 25,000 retail locations across all fifty states in the U.S., making us one of the fastest-growing companies in this exciting category.

This is a unique opportunity to work with a brand that has introduced products with category leading flavors and textures and has cultivated a strong consumer base. Through your work, you will be part of a growing team that is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top emerging brands in the industry.

You will be joining veteran team members who have previously worked at other companies in the industry with fast-growing brands.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a proactive and results-driven Technical Process Expert to join our team at Catalina Crunch, a leading food manufacturing facility in Lebanon, Indiana. In this role, you will spearhead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and safety by applying Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies with a focus on our confectionary efforts and extending across all manufacturing and filling lines. Your efforts will directly contribute to achieving our plant's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Optimization & Performance

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all chocolate processing operations across the production line.
• Monitor and optimize critical process parameters such as temperature, viscosity, particle size, moisture, and throughput.
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste within the production process and implement corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, throughput, scrap reduction, and labor efficiency.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Diagnose and resolve process deviations affecting product quality, texture, temper, or appearance.
• Support production teams in real-time troubleshooting of processing equipment and product issues across all assets, including pre-form bags, VFFS, and packing equipment.
• Work with maintenance to identify mechanical causes of process variation and develop preventative solutions.

Standardization & Documentation

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all chocolate processing stages.
• Define and document optimal process parameters and operating windows.
• Establish process controls and monitoring systems to ensure repeatable results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D and commercialization teams to scale new products from pilot to full production.
• Work with engineering teams on equipment upgrades, new line installations, and automation improvements.

Training & Capability Building

• Train production supervisors and operators on proper chocolate processing techniques and equipment use.
• Support development of training materials and certification programs for operators.
• Promote a culture of process discipline and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production yield and scrap reduction
• Line efficiency / OEE improvements
• Product quality consistency (temper, texture, appearance)
• Reduction in process downtime and deviations
• Successful scale-up of new products

JOB TYPE

• Full-time
• On-site in Lebanon, IN

BENEFITS

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Disability Insurance.
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

SCHEDULE

• Monday through Friday
• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Please note, hours could vary based on business needs and 2nd shift on-call situations would need supported

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing with confectionery production preferred.
• Strong understanding of chocolate processing including refining, conching, tempering, and molding preferred.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with data analysis tools and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) is advantageous.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Hands-on troubleshooting capability in a manufacturing environment.
• Flexibility to work different shifts or weekends as required to support operational needs