Process Engineer

Process Engineer Tru. Roots Company | Chico, California Base salary: $95,000–$110,000 annually | Annual bonus opportunity: 10% of base salary, subject to plan terms About Tru. Roots Tru. Roots Company produces natural and organic foods and beverages under brands including Tru. Roots™, R.W. Knudsen™, and Santa Cruz Organic™.

Our Chico facility manufactures and bottles juice, with a focus on product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Position Summary

The Process Engineer improves the performance, consistency, and efficiency of juice manufacturing processes at the Chico facility. Working closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Maintenance, this position analyzes production data, troubleshoots process problems, supports product trials, and implements practical improvements to equipment and operating methods.

The role focuses on processing operations, with support for bottling and packaging line performance and assigned equipment improvement projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Evaluate manufacturing processes, equipment performance, operating parameters, and material flow to identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, quality, and efficiency. Analyze downtime, production losses, waste, and process variation; work with plant teams to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify results.

Work with operators and Maintenance to troubleshoot recurring process and equipment performance issues and recommend operating adjustments or equipment improvements. Develop and update process instructions, operating parameters, equipment requirements, and basic process diagrams to support consistent production. Plan and conduct process trials with Operations, Quality, and R&D; collect and evaluate data, document findings, and recommend changes.

Support new product scale-up and production changes by evaluating process capability, identifying equipment or operating needs, and assisting with startup. Improve bottling and packaging line performance by evaluating changeovers, material handling, equipment settings, and recurring production issues with the appropriate plant teams.

Support assigned equipment improvement projects by developing scope, obtaining vendor information and cost estimates, tracking actions, and coordinating installation and startup activities. Work with equipment suppliers and technical specialists to evaluate options and resolve process or equipment concerns; involve outside engineering resources when specialized design is needed.

Provide practical training and technical guidance to operators on revised procedures, equipment settings, and process improvements. Incorporate safety, good manufacturing practices, food safety, sanitation, and applicable site requirements into process changes; obtain required reviews before implementation. Maintain accurate trial reports, process records, project documentation, and improvement results; communicate progress and recommendations to plant leadership.

Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline. Two or more years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a closely related manufacturing improvement role. Experience analyzing production data, troubleshooting manufacturing problems, and implementing process or equipment improvements.

Basic understanding of manufacturing equipment and process controls, with the ability to interpret technical documentation, equipment specifications, and process diagrams. Ability to use spreadsheets and basic data analysis tools, organize assigned projects, and document procedures and results. Effective communication and problem solving skills, with the ability to work directly with production employees, maintenance personnel, and cross functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in food, beverage, dairy, or other liquid product manufacturing. Familiarity with blending, pumping, piping, thermal processing, or clean in place systems. Knowledge of good manufacturing practices, sanitary equipment design, and food safety practices. Experience with Lean, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methods.

Exposure to bottling or packaging equipment, equipment installation, production startup, or CAD tools. Work Environment and Schedule This position is based on-site at the Chico manufacturing facility and includes regular work on the production floor around operating machinery, noise, and sanitation activities. Employees must follow site safety and food safety procedures and use required protective equipment.

Occasional off-shift or weekend work may be needed for scheduled trials, installations, or startup activities. Occasional travel to suppliers, vendors, or other company facilities may be required.

Compensation

and Benefits Annual base salary is $95,000–$110,000, based on relevant qualifications and experience. The position offers a 10% annual bonus opportunity, subject to applicable plan terms, and benefits including health, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan, subject to eligibility and plan provisions. Equal Employment Opportunity Tru.

Roots is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, natural origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

In compliance with federal and state employment laws, Tru. Roots prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants based on these protective characteristics. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfer compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Our commitment to diversity extends beyond compliance with the law. It is integral to our culture and central to our success as an organization.