Manufacturing Engineer

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for a Manufacturing Engineer in our State-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Watertown, WI, conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee. The position works day shift hours Monday – Friday and requires occasional after-hours and weekend support. Travel up to 10% to support other CQC sites, trade shows, and training can be expected. The role will report to the Engineering Manager.

BENEFITS:

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, Adults orthodontics)
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Match – up to 5%
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
• College Savings Match – 529 plans
• Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee appreciation events
• Onsite Fitness Facility
• Free chocolate and coating!

JOB SUMMARY: The Manufacturing Engineer provides technical and project leadership to support the commissioning, startup, continuous improvement, and day-to-day operation of a food manufacturing facility. This role designs and executes capital and productivity projects to improve safety, quality, capacity, reliability, and cost performance. The Manufacturing Engineer works cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and other engineering disciplines to ensure projects are executed efficiently and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. This role also supports production teams through technical training, standard work development, and hands-on startup support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing capacity, reducing cycle time, improving reliability, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
• Design, plan, and execute small-to-medium capital and productivity projects while managing scope, budget, schedule, and performance metrics.
• Provide equipment, process, and system startup support, including development of SOPs, training materials, and technical instruction for operations and maintenance personnel.
• Utilize OEE and other manufacturing performance metrics to identify, prioritize, and validate improvement opportunities.
• Develop equipment layouts and manufacturing flow concepts to support operational efficiency and future growth.
• Conduct time studies and process evaluations; recommend and support design changes to reduce cost and increase efficiency.
• Support capital planning by providing technical input, cost estimates, and conceptual designs for future projects.
• Coordinate, supervise, and manage contractors and vendors to ensure safe, quality, and timely execution of work.
• Maintain accurate documentation, project records, and engineering standards, and provide regular status updates to management.
• Travel to other CQC facilities, vendors, trade shows, and training programs as required.
• Adhere to all company safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory policies.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing or project engineering experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods is preferred.
• Experience or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with PLCs and PC-based control systems is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Microsoft Project preferred).
• Proficient in computer-aided design tools such as AutoCAD (Mechanical, Plant 3D, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and industrial engineering principles.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail
• Technical aptitude with a willingness to learn and adopt new technologies
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information, please visit our website at www.cqc.com

#ZR