Process Engineer
Details:
Wage: 35.10/hr-45.67/hr
Location: 110 E 26th Street, Tacoma, 98421
Position Location: 100% Onsite
Position Status: Full Time
About the Position
Brown & Haley is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to serve as the technical lead for our food manufacturing processes. This position will have a direct impact on the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our processing and packaging operations.
What You'll Do:
Process & Equipment Engineering
Serve as the technical expert for Brown & Haley's processing and packaging equipment.
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of equipment functionality, operating parameters, and production processes.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, eliminate bottlenecks, improve quality, and increase production efficiency.
Use Ignition SCADA to establish data collection, monitoring, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
Analyze production data to identify trends, opportunities, and potential process improvements.
Provide technical support to production teams and assist with troubleshooting complex process issues.
New Product & Commercialization Support
Evaluate new products to determine whether they can be successfully manufactured on existing production and packaging lines.
Conduct production trials and testing to validate new products and processes.
Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges associated with new product development.
Ensure product printers and related equipment are properly configured and functioning.
Ensure relevant production and product information is available to operators.
Engineering Projects & Continuous Improvement
Lead small- to medium-sized engineering projects focused on improving production, quality, efficiency, and equipment capabilities.
Work with cross-functional teams to specify, install, commission, and start up new production and packaging equipment.
Support equipment modifications and improvements.
Partner with Maintenance to identify critical spare parts and establish preventive maintenance requirements.
Help develop strategies to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
Documentation & Training
Document engineering findings, process improvements, equipment information, and lessons learned to build a long-term engineering knowledge base.
Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, training materials, and other production documentation.
Review and update Operator Skills Checklists.
Train new and existing operators on proper equipment operation and optimized production practices.
Work closely with Production Management to ensure employees have the knowledge and tools necessary to operate equipment effectively.
Food Safety & Compliance
Support and maintain compliance with company food safety requirements.
Ensure engineering and process improvements support applicable food safety, quality, and manufacturing standards.
Participate in investigations and corrective actions related to process or equipment issues.
What We're Looking For:
Education
Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
High School Diploma or GED preferred in addition to the required engineering degree.
Experience
Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or process environment.
Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
Experience with Ignition SCADA preferred.
Experience with industrial automation, data collection, process controls, or manufacturing systems is a plus.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to use AI tools and models to support data analysis, problem-solving, and technical work.
Experience with AI-assisted programming, particularly Python, preferred.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
Ability to understand complex manufacturing processes and translate technical information into practical solutions.
Core Competencies
Complex problem solving and analytical thinking.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, production management, and company leadership.
Hands-on approach to troubleshooting and process improvement.
Ability to work independently while knowing when to engage the appropriate team members.
Availability
This position serves as a technical resource for manufacturing operations and may require availability outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays, to provide technical support for critical production issues.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
Regular walking throughout manufacturing and production areas.
Frequent use of hands and arms for handling, reaching, and operating equipment.
Occasional stooping and kneeling.
Ability to work safely in an active food manufacturing environment.
Why Join Brown & Haley?
At Brown & Haley, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the manufacturing processes behind one of the Pacific Northwest's most recognizable confectionery brands.
As our Process Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with production equipment, lead meaningful improvement projects, use data and technology to solve real-world problems, and help shape the future of our manufacturing operations.
If you're an engineer who enjoys being hands-on, solving challenging problems, and seeing your ideas move from concept to production, we'd love to hear from you.
