Continuous Improvement Engineer

Within our flagship “Lemoore West” manufacturing facility located in Lemoore, California – Leprino is seeking CI Engineer to execute continuous improvement projects that target production opportunities and support the growth of all 1000+ employees that call this facility home.  

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $81,000 and $97,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%. 

• Implements and sustains process improvements to reduce production costs and increase yields.
• Tracks metrics that provide data for process measurement, and identifies indications for future improvement opportunities.
• Initiates and performs the full project life cycle for engineering projects.
• Generates and creates designs using AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• May assist in preparing and monitoring the department budget. 
• Partners with internal teams to identify and roadmap the best project solution, and then trains and coaches the team on the CI Tool set to achieve the solution.
• Partners with plant operators to identify and understand current processes and workflows, and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Understands business requirements and identifies how/where process changes will fit. Defines options to meet needs. Supports the new definition adoption of new processes.
• Responsible for management of employees and/or project performance. Regularly monitors key performance indicator of team and project deliverables.
• Responsible for performance management (performance reviews) of direct reports.
• Demonstrates Leprino Food Company’s core values and ensures adherence to company policies.
• Organizes, leads, and facilitates cross-functional project teams.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• College degree in Accounting, Engineering, or Operations Management or related field, or similar work experience in related industry, or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, and Toyota Production Systems
• Experienced in defining and implementing key business initiatives and processes
• Experience in balancing key initiatives with limited resources. Understands priorities and ability to break down complex project items for team to execute

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience working within the dairy industry or a food manufacturer.
• 1+ years of experience leading, mentoring, and/or delegating work to others
• Knowledge and experience working within CI methodologies in the following areas: Kaizen, Standard Work, 5s Program, Process Mapping, Cause Mapping, and Project Management
• Knowledgeable in systems (SAP, MES, BI)
• Dairy/Cheese manufacturing experience

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that leverages the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, nine paid holidays, sick time, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 65 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?