Maintenance Process Engineer

Operations Management Waco, Texas

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Description

Position at Pilgrim's

 
JOB DESCRIPTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
 JOB TITLE:                       Maintenance Process Engineer 
 
JOB KEY:                           
 
EEO/AAP:                           6/61
 
FLSA STATUS:                 SALARIED
 
DEPARTMENT:                MAINTENANCE
 
REPORTS TO:                  MAINTENACE MANAGER
 
AREA OF USE:                 WACO PREPARED FOODS FACILITY (Waco, Texas) 
 
SUMMARY
 
The Maintenance Process Engineer is responsible for improving equipment reliability, optimizing maintenance processes, and supporting technical engineering initiatives across the plant. This role applies engineering principles to analyze equipment performance, develop maintenance strategies, and drive continuous improvement in uptime, asset life, and operational efficiency. The position engages heavily in root cause analysis, process optimization, PMs, and engineering support for automated equipment.
 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned as production demands may require.
  • Apply engineering principles to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and extend asset life cycles.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA), 5-Why, FMEA, and implement corrective/preventive actions to eliminate recurring failures.
  • Optimize preventive and predictive maintenance processes using data-driven analysis.
  • Evaluate equipment performance trends (MTBF, MTTR, OEE) and recommend engineering solutions.
  • Develop and improve PM programs, lubrication plans, job plans, BOMs, and task intervals.
  • Standardize maintenance processes across lines for ovens, fryers, baggers, weighers, conveyors, robotics, and utilities systems.
  • Assist with planning and execution of capital improvement projects and equipment installations.
  • Support equipment upgrades, modification design, and engineering validation.
  • Collaborate with corporate engineering, OEMs, and maintenance teams to commission new systems.
  • Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and vendor documentation.
  • Support automation and controls-related troubleshooting (PLC logic, sensors, safety circuits, HMIs).
  • Work with OEMs and controls engineers to identify equipment improvements driven by automation data.
  • Ensure all equipment meets safety interlock, guarding, and regulatory requirements.
  • Analyze work order history and maintenance execution efficiency to recommend process improvements.
  • Improve parts usage, labor planning, work order flow, and CMMS accuracy.
  • Develop engineering-based maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Train technicians and supervisors on technical processes and reliability concepts.
  • Ensure all engineering and maintenance activities meet OSHA, NFPA, NEC, USDA, and internal safety standards.
  • Improve machine guarding, safety interlocks, and LOTO procedures.
  • Participate in safety incident investigations and implement engineering controls to prevent recurrence.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to support production demands as may be specified by customer or client. 
 
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to physically perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
  • Education: BA Degree in one of the following (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics/Automation, Manufacturing or Technology Engineering
  • Experience: 
    • 2–5 years of experience in engineering, maintenance engineering, reliability, or process engineering
    • Strong problem-solving skills and experience with technical troubleshooting.
    • Experience with maintenance systems, reliability tools, RCA, and CMMS platforms.
    • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and vendor manuals.
  • Preferred Experience:
    • Experience in food manufacturing or high-speed automated production.
    • Familiarity with GEA ovens, JBT fryers, Ishida scales, PacMac baggers, robotics, and utilities.
    • Knowledge of predictive technologies (vibration, thermography, ultrasound).
    • Lean/CI certification (Six Sigma, TPM, 5S).
    • Automation/PLC troubleshooting capability.
  • Technical Skills: 
    • Strong working knowledge of industrial maintenance and electrical functions.
    • Ability to read and interpret technical/engineering documents, drawings, and schematics.
    • Proficiency in using maintenance management software and tools.
  • Communication Skills: 
    • Ability to write detailed repair reports.
    • Good verbal communication skills to effectively interact with team members and management.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: 
    • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex maintenance issues.
    • Strong analytical skills to evaluate maintenance performance indicators and propose corrective actions.
  • Organizational Skills: 
    • Ability to build and maintain a maintenance library for repairs.
    • Strong organizational skills to manage maintenance schedules and inventory.
  • Work Environment
    • Plant-based role requiring regular time on the production floor.
    • Ability to climb, walk long distances, and work in hot or cold environments.
    • Occasional weekend or shutdown support during planned maintenance events.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:
None
 
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/METHODS: 
All employees are required to attend employee and safety orientation prior to performing the above duties.  Once the employee completes this training they will be assigned to a Supervisor who will further orient the employee to the workplace, introduce him/her to employees and other supervision, demonstrate work assignment and explain ingress and egress procedures to and from work station. 
 
 
TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Those responsible for training may include: personnel representatives, safety director, maintenance manager, vendors and contractors.
 
METHOD OF TRACKING EMPLOYEE PROGRESS: 
The Maintenance Manager is accountable for tracking employee progress and performance.
 
EXIT TRAINING FOR MEASURING TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS:
A specific probationary period is assigned to all employees hired to evaluate employee effectiveness and performance.  At the end of this period the Maintenance Manager will evaluate the job performance of each new employee utilizing current forms and procedures in effect at that time.  The employee will be rated and evaluated on essential work duties listed above as well as attendance, tardiness, interaction with co-workers and management, attitudes and work actions.  Unacceptable performance of duties and disciplinary actions will be documented on corrective action reports and appropriate personnel records.  Absent any negative actions, the employee may be eligible for a wage increase according to the wage and salary policies in effect at that time.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to 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; use hands to finger, grasp, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb, stoop, and bend .  The employee frequently is required to walk, talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
 
 
NOTE:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the daily work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or customer specifications and processes required of personnel so assigned. 
 
EOE, including disability/vets 
Must complete an application to be considered for the position
 

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