<p>Senior Process Engineer</p> <p>Location: St. Louis, MO</p> <p>Reports to: Director of Process Engineering</p> <p>Department: Food Science and Engineering</p> <p>About Deli Star</p> <p>Deli Star is a privately held, growth-focused food manufacturer with a strong financial foundation and over 30 years of industry leadership. Known for pioneering fresh sous vide protein solutions, our company combines the stability of an established brand with the energy and innovation of a high-growth startup.</p> <p>Following a successful operational rebuild and strategic shift, we are entering a new phase of expansion-investing in systems, processes, and people that will scale our platform nationally. Our finance team plays a central role in shaping this future: ensuring discipline, unlocking profitability, and partnering across the business to drive performance.</p> <p>Role Overview</p> <p>The Senior Process Engineer plays a key role in the integrity of Deli Star's Manufacturing, Quality and Food Safety objectives. This role supports effective and efficient production line layout, equipment improvements, operational excellence objectives and overall manufacturing efficiency and product quality.</p> <p>You'll work closely with the Controller, Food Safety and Quality, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams -with a clear runway to grow into a Director of Engineering role. This is a high-impact opportunity for a detail-oriented and growth-driven engineering professional ready to step into leadership.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <ol> <li>Process Design and Optimization </li></ol> <ul> <li> <p>Design, budget, implement, and optimize new and existing manufacturing processes.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain equipment and systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry and customer standards</p> </li><li> <p>Track project budgets and report monthly status</p> </li></ul> <ol start="2"> <li>Process Analysis and Improvement </li></ol> <ul> <li> <p>Analyze production yields, workflows, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.</p> </li><li> <p>Diagnose and resolve issues related to equipment malfunctions, process failures, or product defects</p> </li><li> <p>Utilize operational excellence tools to drive improvement and quantify results, report and trend key metrics monthly</p> </li></ul> <ol start="3"> <li>Maintenance Management </li></ol> <ul> <li> <p>Manage Maintenance team, ensure proper training, resource allocation and schedules.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead, improve and develop preventative/predictive maintenance program</p> </li><li> <p>Manage maintenance budget, report result to Sr Management.</p> </li></ul> <ol start="4"> <li>Project Management, Collaboration, and Communication </li></ol> <ul> <li> <p>Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, product development, finance, and management, to ensure smooth integration of new technologies or process refinement.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage outside contractor and equipment vendor relationships</p> </li></ul> <p>Support profitability and KPI reporting</p> <ol start="5"> <li>Continuous Improvement </li></ol> <ul> <li> <p>Implement and manage continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs, improve productivity, and enhance quality</p> </li><li> <p>Mentor and train cross functional team members.</p> </li><li> <p>Utilize Operational Excellence tools, lead cross functional teams</p> </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li> <p>Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related scientific field</p> </li><li> <p>5+ years of food plant engineering, process engineering, or related manufacturing experience</p> </li><li> <p>Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, CAD, MiniTab</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, as they relate to the food processing industry.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with GFSI and SQF guidelines</p> </li><li> <p>Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar certification preferred</p> </li></ul> <p>Why Join Deli Star?</p> <ul> <li> <p>Growth Path: Clear opportunity to grow into the Controller role and take on broader leadership responsibilities</p> </li><li> <p>Visibility & Impact: Work directly with CFO, Controller, and CEO on high-priority projects and board deliverables</p> </li><li> <p>Plant Integration: Get hands-on experience supporting operations, yield, and product costing at our St. Louis facility</p> </li><li> <p>Start-Up Energy, Established Stability: Join a scaling business with a patented process and top-tier customer base</p> </li><li> <p>People-First Culture: Access to executive coaching, leadership development, and cultural engagement programs</p> </li><li> <p>Competitive Compensation: Strong salary, bonus eligibility, and full benefits including health, 401(k), and wellness</p> </li></ul>