DESCRIPTIONThe Senior Process Engineer leads high-impact process improvement, operational efficiency, and systems optimization initiatives across shipping, production, inventory, and supporting supply chain processes. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Compliance, Finance, IT, and site leadership to identify opportunities, design scalable solutions, improve throughput and quality, reduce cost and waste, and support sustainable operating practices.
This senior-level role is expected to translate complex data and operational observations into practical recommendations, lead cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, mentor others on process improvement practices, and help drive cultural adoption of standard work and continuous improvement.
Requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead complex process engineering and continuous improvement projects that improve productivity, quality, safety, cost, service levels, and team member experience.
- Analyze end-to-end business and manufacturing processes, including procurement to payables, production operations, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping.
- Develop current-state and future-state process maps, identify bottlenecks and root causes, and recommend practical improvements supported by data.
- Design, document, implement, and standardize efficient processes, procedures, work instructions, and visual controls that are user-friendly and accessible in English and Spanish.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, dashboards, and reporting tools to evaluate process performance, project results, and sustainability of improvements.
- Partner with Operations, Maintenance, IT, Finance, Compliance, and other stakeholders to scope initiatives, define requirements, evaluate risks, and align priorities.
- Lead equipment, technology, automation, and systems improvement evaluations, including business cases, vendor coordination, sample studies, implementation planning, and post-implementation review.
- Support reliable and safe operating systems while improving production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs, quality consistency, and changeover performance.
- Apply structured problem-solving methods such as root cause analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, standard work, and mistake-proofing where appropriate.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder communications to ensure projects are completed effectively and on time.
- Collect, validate, analyze, record, and present operational data to support decisions, improvement plans, and leadership updates.
- Collaborate with supervisors and team members to understand workflow challenges, gather feedback, test improvements, and support successful adoption.
- Support shipping operations during peak and off-season periods to help ensure order completion, service reliability, and process stability.
- Work with Compliance and Safety partners to ensure business processes are followed, risks are evaluated, and improvements align with internal standards and applicable requirements.
- Mentor Process Engineers, project contributors, and operational partners on process improvement tools, documentation standards, and data-driven decision making.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES- Maintain availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs, including seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule.
- Lead or participate in cross-functional meetings, project reviews, pilots, and implementation activities as needed.
- Prepare professional updates, presentations, and summaries for leadership, operational teams, and other stakeholders.
- Perform additional duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Senior-level experience leading process improvement, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations excellence, or project management initiatives in a production, distribution, manufacturing, agricultural, or similar operational environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing, distribution, production planning, inventory, quality, maintenance, and shipping processes.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including advanced Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, and Power BI; experience using ERP, WMS, MES, or similar operational systems is preferred.
- Experience with process simulation, workflow design, data analysis, and process engineering software packages preferred.
- Ability to present technical information clearly using process maps, data visuals, dashboards, CAD/CAM, layouts, or other technical tools as appropriate.
- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, standard work, or other continuous improvement methods preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data and recommendations to diverse audiences.
SKILLS- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to convert data into actionable recommendations.
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with frontline teams, supervisors, managers, and senior leaders.
- Strong project leadership skills, including planning, prioritization, execution, follow-up, and change management.
- Ability to build trust, collaborate across functions, and support sustainable adoption of new processes.
- High attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to maintain organized project records.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive business information with discretion.
- Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn, evaluate, and apply new systems, tools, and technologies.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, operational needs, and seasonal demands.
COMPETENCIES- Action Oriented
- Collaborates
- Tech Savvy
- Cultivates Innovation
- Drives Results
- Plans and Aligns
- Manages Complexity
- Instills Trust
PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or 50 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Bending, reaching, stretching, standing, and walking in various settings or environments.
- Ability to move throughout office, shipping, production, and outdoor agricultural areas as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT- The role involves using standard office equipment, including computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, telephones, and other digital tools required for daily tasks.
- Must be able to work in and around various settings, including office areas, shipping operations, production areas, and outdoor agricultural facilities.
- Outdoor duties may include work in fluctuating weather conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes such as hot, cold, rainy, or windy conditions.
- The position may require direct contact with plants, soil, shipping materials, dust, noise, equipment, and active operational environments.
After applying, follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on what's happening around Costa Farms and to start becoming part of our family. Come Grow with Us™!
Here at Costa Farms, we're proud to offer not only a competitive wage, but also some really great benefits: - Company 401(k) with employer matching contributions
- Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
- Telehealth - Medical and Mental Health Care
- Medical Insurance
- GAP Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance (AFLAC)
- Legal/ID Theft Protection plans
- Professional development opportunities
- Challenging and exciting work environment
- Costa Farms Scholarship
- Employee discounts on plants
Costa Farms headquarters also has: - On-site gym with showers
- Subsidized on-site cafeteria, a quiet room, and indoor games
- Love Where You Work activities throughout the year
