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.
We are currently seeking our next Principal Process Engineer to work out of the world's largest pizza complex in Salina, KS. In this role you will be responsible for the identification, development, improvement, and testing of complex, new and breakthrough food processing techniques. Incumbent in this position is recognized within CJ Schwan's as a technical expert. The position also supports department and corporation strategies in the areas of process development and engineering, and test runs and specification development.
What You Will Do:
- Develop and commercialize breakthrough process technology and new processing equipment within CJ Schwan's key pizza facility in Salina, KS.
- Lead all process documentation, including line visualization, process flow diagram, process specifications, key factor reports, design matrixes and preliminary control plans.
- Interface with manufacturing and operations engineering departments to identify, educate and implement major cost savings projects or product improvements involving new processes, processing technology, and equipment.
- Work with other R&D groups, Manufacturing, and Engineering to develop process and equipment specifications for existing and new equipment or production lines including any improvement and/or changes.
- Develop, present, and communicate preliminary capital proposals of new processing technology, equipment, or cost reduction opportunities. These may include determination of ROI and other benefits, process or equipment specifications, and estimated capital investment and production capacity and attainment.
- Influence, sell, and obtain buy-in for new and breakthrough technologies.
What You Will Bring:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Food, Chemical, or Mechanical) required. Master's degree preferred.
- 7+ years of engineering experience, ideally focused on manufacturing process equipment within food, beverage or general CPG industries.
- Working knowledge of R&D product development flow from conception to product launch.
- Ability to produce conceptual drawing with a CAD program, develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), cycle time studies, and pay-back calculations.
- Cognition in developing instrument specifications with ISA (Instrument Society of American) format or equivalent.
- Proficiency and comfort in performing equipment sizing and specifications, and PLC controls set-up.
What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $178,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, which is 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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering
- 7+ years of engineering experience, ideally focused on manufacturing process equipment in food, beverage, or CPG industries
- Working knowledge of R&D product development from conception through product launch
- Ability to produce conceptual drawings using a CAD program
- Ability to develop Process Flow Diagrams, cycle-time studies, and payback calculations
- Knowledge of developing instrument specifications using ISA format or equivalent
- Proficiency in equipment sizing and specifications
- Proficiency with PLC controls setup
- Master's degree
Schwan's Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Schwan's Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Schwan's Company.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage includes multiple plan options, including some no‑deductible choices, plus dental and vision. Benefits in this area are frequently regarded as a major strength for full‑time employees.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting for eligible employees. This feature is viewed as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off includes vacation that scales with tenure, paid holidays, and personal days. New hires can begin accruing PTO early in their employment.
Schwan's Company Insights
What We Do
As one of the fastest-growing leaders and producers in North America’s food industry, Schwan’s Company is dedicated to bringing people and cultures together through global flavors and delicious ethnic cuisine. Our commitment to this is reflected in the innovative foods we produce, our iconic brands and through a team of exceptional talent. Today, as a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, Schwan’s is a fast-paced, forward-thinking company that’s on its way to bigger and better things. We are a leading food marketer, with trusted brands like RED BARON®, FRESCHETTA®, BIG DADDY'S™ and TONY'S™ pizza, EDWARDS® and MRS. SMITH'S® desserts, and BIBIGO® and PAGODA® Asian-style foods. And, with manufacturing operations in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas, we are well-prepared to deliver a great experience to our consumers wherever they shop and eat.
