Operations Process Engineer

Who are we? 

Kodiak is one of the fastest growing food companies that is disrupting the industry with its better-for-you breakfast and snacking options. Our journey with food began by restoring the tradition of whole grain flapjacks and adding some protein to fuel folks' adventures. In the process, we discovered that foods made closer to nature are not only fueling but taste better. So, we set out to inspire wilder, wide-open lives by feeding epic days through real breakfasts. That’s one of the reasons we’re in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Park City, Utah: to live our purpose and be close to nature.  

Our mission is to become the most loved, next generation food brand, and we’re well on our way. We craft the best-selling whole grain flapjack mix in the nation along with toaster waffles, baking mixes, oatmeal, syrup, and snacking options at all major retailers. We’re expanding rapidly as our business continues to grow year-after-year and need to build our team with people that share our passion for the outdoors, bring industry experience, thrive in an entrepreneurial culture, and want to make an impact in the food space. We believe that eating real, good-for-you food, being active outdoors, and preserving nature will restore balance generations before us worked so hard to forge. We embrace the spirit of the Kodiak – a pristine wilderness with a rich ecosystem – and we rely on that spirit of the Kodiak to inspire the work we do, the food we eat, and the way we play.                                                                                                  

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Location: Kodiak HQ: Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or Remote

What will this position do?

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing and optimizing operations at our co-manufacturing (co-man) sites. This role requires a strong background in engineering, process optimization, project management, and food safety and quality assurance (FSQA), along with the ability to work closely with our contract manufacturing partners to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and scalability of production processes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operational Oversight:
• Act as the primary technical liaison between our company and co-manufacturing partners.
• Monitor and manage day-to-day operations at co-man sites to ensure adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits to assess production efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Process Optimization:
• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with co-man partners to develop and implement best practices in manufacturing, quality control, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• FSQA Oversight:
• Ensure all co-manufacturing sites comply with food safety regulations and internal quality standards, including FDA, HACCP, GMP, and other applicable standards.
• Collaborate with co-man partners' FSQA teams to monitor and maintain product quality, ensuring that all products meet company and regulatory standards for safety, quality, and consistency.
• Participate in FSQA audits and inspections at co-man sites, addressing non-conformances and working with partners to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support the resolution of any quality issues, product recalls, or food safety incidents in coordination with the FSQA team and co-man partners.
• Project Management:
• Manage new product launches and line extensions at co-man sites, including coordinating with R&D, supply chain, FSQA, and quality teams to ensure successful execution.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and validation processes at co-man sites.
• Track and report on project progress, ensuring that milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Technical Support:
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to co-man sites as needed to resolve production and FSQA-related issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical specifications.
• Vendor and Partner Management:
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with co-manufacturing partners, fostering collaboration and open communication.
• Negotiate and manage service level agreements (SLAs) with co-manufacturing partners to ensure performance metrics, including FSQA standards, are met.

What are we looking for?

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or operations engineering role, preferably in the food or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Proven experience managing operations at contract manufacturing sites or similar environments.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of FSQA standards and regulations (FDA, HACCP, GMP, etc.).
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Willingness to travel to co-man sites as needed

What else do I need to know?

 This role is based in our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or remote. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:  

• Health/vision/dental plans  
• 401k match  
• Relocation assistance  
• Annual performance bonus 
• A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
• Active lifestyle allowance 
• Therapy Benefit
• All-you-can-eat flapjacks 
• Flexible vacation 
• Early-out Fridays 
• Parental leave 
• Casual dress code 
• A variety of other Kodiak-unique perks  

Recognized by Inc and Utah as one of America’s best places to work, we are known for our awesome work environment – a fun and authentic place where wins are celebrated, collaboration is king, work is balanced with life, and every individual makes a deep impact. We proactively search for ways to develop each individual along their career path here at Kodiak and beyond. We're inspired and committed to creating natural, authentic food with superior taste to fuel a healthy, active lifestyle. We feel encouraged by some of the trends in food today and believe that with a concerted effort we can make an enormous impact in building momentum for natural, better-for-you foods. We invite you to apply to join our team and leave your legacy on the future of food. 

At Kodiak, we foster a truly inclusive community that encourages, supports, and celebrates what makes each of us unique. We bring our full authentic selves to work and leverage our diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create a culture of belonging that feeds epic days & wilder lives.