Manufacturing Process Engineer

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit

Location: 3109 Plant Water Road, Knoxville, TN 37914

Shift & Schedule:

This is a salaried position supporting a flexible schedule based on business needs. The role is expected to support operations across all shifts and is typically scheduled for four 10-hour days.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and overall production efficiency. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities for improvement, troubleshoot production issues, and implement sustainable solutions.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer will use data, engineering principles, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance across the manufacturing operation. This position will spend significant time working directly with plant operations and production teams to identify issues, develop solutions, and support implementation.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes, production data, and equipment performance to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost.

• Provide engineering support for day-to-day manufacturing operations and troubleshoot process and production issues.

• Develop, implement, and standardize process improvements to increase productivity and reduce waste, downtime, and variation.

• Partner with Operations and Maintenance teams to identify root causes of recurring production issues and implement corrective actions.

• Lead or support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives, including process optimization, waste reduction, standard work, and problem-solving activities.

• Monitor key manufacturing performance indicators and use data analysis to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.

• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, work instructions, process specifications, and other technical documentation.

• Support production trials, process changes, new equipment installations, and new product introductions.

• Evaluate process changes and equipment modifications to determine potential impacts to safety, quality, capacity, and productivity.

• Work with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.

• Partner with Quality to investigate process-related quality issues and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

• Support capital projects by developing process requirements, evaluating equipment and technology options, and assisting with installation, commissioning, and startup activities.

• Develop and maintain process metrics and reports to measure improvement results.

• Train and support production employees and supervisors on new processes, equipment, procedures, and process improvements.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with company safety requirements, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable policies.

• Participate in cross-functional improvement teams and provide technical expertise to support plant and business objectives.

• Identify opportunities to automate or simplify processes and improve overall manufacturing capability.

• Support continuous improvement culture by promoting data-driven problem solving and sustainable process improvements.

• Targeted annual compensation range of $90,000–$125,000.
• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. 

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience supporting industrial automation and controls within a manufacturing, distribution, or automated material handling environment.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix.

• Experience with FactoryTalk, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networking.

• Experience troubleshooting electrical controls, instrumentation, robotics, vision systems, and automated equipment.

• Experience supporting automation projects, system upgrades, equipment installation, or commissioning.

• Understanding of preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, Lean Manufacturing, and TPM methodologies.

• Experience working with OEMs, system integrators, maintenance teams, and cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-speed manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, or automated distribution environments.

• Experience with SCADA systems, industrial Ethernet networks, SQL databases, or data historians.

• Knowledge of warehouse automation systems, conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, AGVs/AMRs, or ASRS equipment.

• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.