Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together. 

As a Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer you will provide technical leadership to improve safety, quality, waste reduction, and operational efficiency across the manufacturing network. Leveraging deep engineering expertise, this role develops manufacturing capability and drives breakthrough performance through collaboration with teams across the enterprise. Partnering closely with Manufacturing, R&D, Continuous Improvement, and Capital Engineering, the Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer delivers innovative solutions to complex business challenges. The position may be based at our corporate headquarters in Hopkins, Minnesota, or performed remotely with up to 50% travel is system deployment-based to our factory locations.

What You Will Do:

• Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processing and packaging systems to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop and deploy enterprise-wide manufacturing strategies, standards, and best practices to maximize operational performance and reduce variation.
• Lead high-impact cost savings, material optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across the manufacturing network.
• Partner with Manufacturing, R&D, and Capital Engineering to develop process and equipment standards and ensure successful implementation of new products, technologies, and capital projects.
• Leverage advanced analytics and technical expertise to identify losses, solve complex problems, and drive sustainable performance improvements.
• Provide technical leadership and governance for manufacturing systems, ensuring standardization, sustainment, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, training, and knowledge sharing while maintaining technical documentation and best-practice resources.
• Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for assigned technologies and represent the organization in industry forums to benchmark and advance manufacturing excellence.

What We Look For:

• 8+ years of experience
• Bachelor of Science Degree; Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering preferred
• Experience in Food Manufacturing or CPG, USDA, FDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
• Leadership of structured problem-solving approaches (ex: Lean, Six-Sigma, or TPM).
• Development and use of statistical models and data analytics.

What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.