Production Engineer

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get… authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Jack Link's Protein Snacks family of brands includes Jack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

The Production Engineer supports daily manufacturing plant operations by ensuring production equipment is reliable, well-maintained, and performing at target efficiency. This role focuses on day-to-day troubleshooting, Preventive maintenance support, and process improvement initiatives that drive uptime, safety, and product quality. Working closely with Maintenance Technicians, Plant Operations, and Food Safety Quality, the Production Engineer provides technical expertise and daily hands-on maintenance support to sustain production and improve long-term equipment health. 

DIRECT REPORTS

1. None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential job Functions)

Support Maintenance and Plant Operations (60%)

• As part of the maintenance team, support the plant operations team to diagnose and resolve equipment failures and performance issues.
• Provide technical support to maintenance personnel during troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to extend equipment life and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Develop and standardize maintenance procedures and technical documentation for key equipment.
• Analyze downtime and reliability data to identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Participate in daily maintenance and production meetings to align priorities and resources.
• When needed, lead and/or support production equipment setups, changeovers, and cleaning.
• Support site maintenance as needed. 
• All other duties as assigned.

Equipment and Process Improvement (25%)

• Evaluate maintenance and operational practices for efficiency and cost reduction opportunities.
• Work with Maintenance Technicians and operators to improve changeovers, cleaning procedures, and setups.
• Assist in training maintenance and plant operations personnel on equipment functionality and best practices.
• Recommend upgrades or modifications to improve maintainability and performance.
• Lead or support improvement projects to enhance reliability, throughput, and product consistency.

Project and Capital Support (15%)

• Support capital and reliability projects related to equipment replacement, rebuilds, and upgrades.
• Participate in project scoping, design, installation, and start-up commissioning.
• Ensure all project activities meet food safety, safety, and environmental standards.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of formal education in chemical, mechanical, electrical or similar fields or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in maintenance or reliability engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of improving equipment performance and reducing downtime.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex process issues.
• Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of industrial mechanical and electrical control systems
• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with predictive technologies (vibration, thermography, oil analysis).
• Knowledge of maintenance planning, CMMS utilization, and equipment life-cycle management.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Food or CPG manufacturing experience (meat processing a plus).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Professional certification in process engineering or related areas.
• Experience with process automation and control systems.
• Knowledge of automation and control systems, such as SCADA and PLC.
• Knowledge of process simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems, such as ISO standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

Disclaimer:
This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.