At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.
Job Overview
The Food Processing Engineer is responsible for optimizing food manufacturing processes, enhancing product quality, improving operational efficiency, and providing technical leadership across manufacturing operations. This role applies engineering and food science principles to support production, troubleshoot complex process challenges, lead technical projects, and drive continuous improvement initiatives from raw material handling through finished product packaging.
The Food Processing Engineer partners closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Research & Development teams to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The role also supports innovation, product commercialization, capital project execution, process validation, and technical capability development across the plant network.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Works closely with Plant Leadership, Operations, Quality and Food Safety, Maintenance and Reliability, Continuous Improvement, Engineering, Research & Development, Supply Chain, and external vendors and suppliers.
Here's What You'll Be Doing
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement
- Analyze production data to identify process variability, capability gaps, waste reduction opportunities, and overall performance improvements.
- Apply engineering and food science expertise to optimize process conditions, product quality, material performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Evaluate process interactions, equipment settings, and material behaviors that influence throughput, reliability, and consistency.
- Partner with Continuous Improvement teams to identify and implement sustainable process enhancements.
- Develop and maintain process standards that support operational excellence and design-to-standard compliance.
Technical Troubleshooting and Manufacturing Support
- Provide day-to-day technical support for Operations and Quality teams to resolve complex processing and product quality issues.
- Lead root cause investigations for process deviations, equipment failures, material challenges, consumer complaints, and product defects.
- Support production startups, process transitions, and periods of operational instability.
- Develop corrective and preventive actions that improve process stability and prevent recurrence of issues.
Project Leadership and Capital Execution
- Lead or support food process engineering projects from concept development through design, validation, and implementation.
- Define process requirements, equipment specifications, and technical design criteria for capital projects.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and external vendors to deliver cost-effective and technically sound solutions.
- Conduct trials, process validations, performance assessments, and commissioning activities.
Product Innovation and Commercialization
- Collaborate with Research & Development and Engineering teams to support innovation, renovation, and line extension projects.
- Ensure successful scale-up from pilot and laboratory development to commercial manufacturing.
- Provide technical expertise during product launches and post-implementation performance reviews.
Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure process designs and manufacturing practices comply with food safety, quality, and workplace safety requirements.
- Support quality improvement initiatives and process control strategies.
- Drive solutions that improve manufacturing capability while maintaining quality standards.
Technical Leadership and Capability Development
- Serve as a subject matter expert for critical process systems and manufacturing technologies.
- Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, process specialists, and operations teams.
- Create, update, and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and training materials.
- Deliver technical training and facilitate knowledge sharing across manufacturing sites and functions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Extensive experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or process manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of food processing systems, unit operations, process design, and manufacturing equipment.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing technical projects from planning through execution.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
- Experience supporting capital projects and process validation activities.
- Knowledge of food quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
Salary Range: 147,200-$184,000
Salary pay ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and local market conditions.
At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially.
Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:
- Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
- Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
- Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
- Employee recognition program
The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions
Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family, but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.
About Wk Kellogg Co
At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes
Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi,
Special K, Raisin Bran,
Frosted Mini Wheats, and
Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.wkkellogg.com.
If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email TalentAssist@wkkellogg.com
THE FINER PRINT
The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.
WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For US Applicants
Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this link.
Let’s create gr-r-reat days,
WK Kellogg Co Recruitment
