Operations Process Engineer

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Location: Kodiak HQ: Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or Remote
What will this position do?

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing and optimizing operations at our co-manufacturing (co-man) sites. This role requires a strong background in engineering, process optimization, project management, and food safety and quality assurance (FSQA), along with the ability to work closely with our contract manufacturing partners to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and scalability of production processes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operational Oversight:
• Act as the primary technical liaison between our company and co-manufacturing partners.
• Monitor and manage day-to-day operations at co-man sites to ensure adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits to assess production efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Process Optimization:
• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with co-man partners to develop and implement best practices in manufacturing, quality control, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• FSQA Oversight:
• Ensure all co-manufacturing sites comply with food safety regulations and internal quality standards, including FDA, HACCP, GMP, and other applicable standards.
• Collaborate with co-man partners' FSQA teams to monitor and maintain product quality, ensuring that all products meet company and regulatory standards for safety, quality, and consistency.
• Participate in FSQA audits and inspections at co-man sites, addressing non-conformances and working with partners to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support the resolution of any quality issues, product recalls, or food safety incidents in coordination with the FSQA team and co-man partners.
• Project Management:
• Manage new product launches and line extensions at co-man sites, including coordinating with R&D, supply chain, FSQA, and quality teams to ensure successful execution.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and validation processes at co-man sites.
• Track and report on project progress, ensuring that milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Technical Support:
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to co-man sites as needed to resolve production and FSQA-related issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical specifications.
• Vendor and Partner Management:
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with co-manufacturing partners, fostering collaboration and open communication.
• Negotiate and manage service level agreements (SLAs) with co-manufacturing partners to ensure performance metrics, including FSQA standards, are met.

What are we looking for?

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or operations engineering role, preferably in the food or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Proven experience managing operations at contract manufacturing sites or similar environments.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of FSQA standards and regulations (FDA, HACCP, GMP, etc.).
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Willingness to travel to co-man sites as needed

What else do I need to know?

 This role is based in our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or remote. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:  

• Health/vision/dental plans  
• 401k match  
• Relocation assistance  
• Annual performance bonus 
• A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
• Active lifestyle allowance 
• Therapy Benefit
• All-you-can-eat flapjacks 
• Flexible vacation 
• Early-out Fridays 
• Parental leave 
• Casual dress code 
• A variety of other Kodiak-unique perks