---
title: 'Process Engineering Lead at J&J Snack Foods'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/process-engineering-lead-j-j-snack-foods-la-vergne-t72471dbvg8g'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-16'
---

# Process Engineering Lead at J&J Snack Foods

- **Company:** J&J Snack Foods
- **Location:** La Vergne, TN
- **Compensation:** $120k–$130k
- **Posted:** 2026-04-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-16
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/jjsnackfoods/jobs/5168181008

## Job description

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin’ Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to “Fun Served Here”.

## POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Process Engineering Lead is responsible for leading process design, commercialization, and continuous improvement initiatives across bakery manufacturing operations. Leveraging deep expertise in dough systems, thermal processing, and high-speed production, this role ensures the successful scale-up of new products while optimizing efficiency, yield, and quality. The Process Engineering Lead partners closely with cross-functional teams to translate product innovation into reliable, high-performing manufacturing processes and leads capital projects from concept through startup to support business growth.

## ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Bakery Process Design and Commercialization

- Leads the transition of bakery products from pilot to full-scale production, encompassing mixing, proofing, forming, baking, cooling, slicing, and packaging operations.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with R&D and Quality to ensure formulations are optimized for manufacturability, consistency, and food safety.
- Establishes, validates, and documents critical process parameters, including mix times, hydration levels, fermentation profiles, oven curves, and moisture targets.
- Drives and supports plant trials and the successful launch of new products and line extensions, ensuring seamless transition to production.

Capital Projects and Equipment Implementation

- Leads process design for bakery capital projects, including PFDs, P&IDs, line layouts, equipment specifications, and cost estimates.
- Specifies and implements bakery equipment such as mixers, dividers, proofers, tunnel ovens, conveyors, cooling systems, and packaging lines.
- Oversees installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new production lines and system upgrades.
- Collaborates with contractors and vendors to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

- Drives improvements in yield, scrap reduction, downtime, and overall throughput.
- Leads root cause analysis for bakery-specific issues, including crumb structure, moisture variation, bake profile inconsistencies, and equipment reliability.
- Applies statistical tools, such as DOE and SPC, to improve process capability and consistency.
- Champions Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across production lines.

Utilities and Thermal Systems

- Provides engineering support for bakery utilities, including steam systems, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, chilled water, and electrical infrastructure.
- Supports optimization of thermal systems, including oven performance, heat transfer efficiency, and energy utilization.
- Contributes to the development and improvement of preventive maintenance practices and process control systems, including PLC-based automation.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the VP of Engineering.

## COMPETENCIES:

To succeed in this role, the Process Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

- Strong business acumen, with the ability to connect process improvements to cost, yield, and product quality outcomes.
- Proven ability to optimize processes, improve yield, and ensure product quality and consistency.
- Experience launching new products and translating formulations into scalable production.
- Knowledge of capital project execution, including process design, equipment selection, and line startups.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data-driven process improvement.
- Ability to influence plant leadership and drive sustainable operational change.

## EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, or related Engineering field.
- Five (5)+ years of progressive experience in commercial bakery or thermal food manufacturing.
- Lean / Six Sigma certification
- Strong knowledge of dough rheology, fermentation, baking science, and moisture control.
- Experience with high-speed automated production lines and packaging systems.
- Proven experience leading capital projects collaborating cross-functionally.
- Solid understanding of GMPs, HACCP, sanitary design, and food safety standards.
- Experience with PLC systems (Allen Bradley preferred) and manufacturing automation.

## TRAVEL:

This position is based in La Vergne, TN. Domestic travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 30%, depending on business needs.

## #LI-BM1

US Salary Pay Range $120,000—$130,000 USD

Disclaimer: This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement: J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.

## About J&J Snack Foods

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: J&J Snack Foods manufactures and distributes iconic branded snack foods, frozen novelties, and frozen beverages across foodservice and retail markets in the United States.
- **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: JJSF)
- **Headquarters**: Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, USA
- **Founded**: 1971 (incorporated in New Jersey)
- **Founders**: Gerald B. Shreiber (purchased the ailing J&J Pretzel Company at a bankruptcy auction for $72,100)

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: Snack food manufacturing and distribution; frozen beverages
- Target customers: B2B primarily (foodservice operators), with a significant B2C presence via retail supermarkets. Key channels include stadiums, theme parks, movie theatres, convenience stores, schools, and warehouse clubs.
- Mission or purpose statement: "Good Fun, Good for the Planet" — dedicated to responsibly serving fun while reducing environmental impact.

## Products & Services
- **SUPERPRETZEL**: The leading soft pretzel brand in the U.S., sold to both foodservice and retail. (Manufactured product)
- **ICEE**: A market-leading frozen carbonated beverage brand sold in c-stores, theatres, and stadiums. (Manufactured product & beverage system)
- **DIPPIN' DOTS**: Nationally known flash-frozen ice cream beads, acquired in 2022. (Manufactured product)
- **LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice**: Popular frozen novelty sold in retail supermarkets. (Manufactured product)
- **SLUSH PUPPIE**: Non-carbonated frozen beverage brand. (Manufactured product & beverage system)
- **Other Brands**: WHOLE FRUIT, DOGSTERS, ¡HOLA! Churros, THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY, MARY B’s Biscuits, COUNTRY HOME Bakers, READI-BAKE, and more. (Manufactured products)
- **Contract Manufacturing**: The company also produces products for private label and contract packing, leveraging its extensive manufacturing network. (Service)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not provided directly, but as of July 2026, JJSF is a publicly traded mid-cap company.
- **Key Metric (Annual Revenue)**: $1,574,755,000 (Fiscal Year 2024) — a record year for sales. Net income was $117.5M.
- **Operating Income**: $117,545,000 (Fiscal Year 2024).
- **Financial Health**: The company ended FY2024 with zero debt and $210+ million available on its revolving credit facility [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Website-PDF_-EBookV1_368051_Annaul.pdf).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Public shareholders. Key strategic partners are major QSR chains, theme parks (e.g., Six Flags, Disney), movie theatre chains, and national retailers (Walmart, Costco).
- **Growth Signals**: Record sales in FY2024 despite consumer spending pressure. Growth driven by core product placements, innovation, and new customer wins. Operates in 43 states with ~4,700 employees.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Brand Powerhouse**: Owns a portfolio of iconic, highly recognizable brands (SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, DIPPIN' DOTS) that are often the #1 or only choice in their respective categories.
- **Unmatched Distribution**: Products are sold everywhere consumers gather for fun: stadiums, theme parks, movie theatres, schools, and major retailers, creating high barriers to entry via deep channel relationships.
- **Vertical Integration of Beverage Systems**: For ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE, they provide not just the syrup but the equipment and maintenance service, creating a sticky, recurring revenue model.
- **Strong Balance Sheet & Cash Flow**: Zero net debt and a strong free cash flow profile allow for continued acquisition of new brands (e.g., Dippin' Dots, Funnel Cake Factory) and internal investment.

## Strategic Focus
- **5 Core Strategies (as of FY2024)**: 1) Grow and Protect Brands, 2) Dominate Core Categories, 3) Cross-Sell the Portfolio (putting more brands into existing channels), 4) Invest in the Future (manufacturing, systems, distribution), and 5) Embrace the Culture.
- **Expansion**: Building on the Dippin' Dots acquisition, expanding into the frozen ice cream category and leveraging the brand's existing retail and foodservice presence.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: The company describes itself as having a "family" culture that shies away from the corporate world, emphasizing long tenures (many employees with 10+ years, some over 20). [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
- **Environment**: Locations in 43 states, from corporate offices in Mt. Laurel, NJ, to manufacturing facilities across the country. A mix of corporate and blue-collar manufacturing roles.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive package including medical/dental/vision, 401k with match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), tuition reimbursement (Nathan Shreiber Scholarship Fund), paid holidays and vacation, wellness discounts, and an Employee Assistance Program. [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
- **Notable Perks**: "The Nathan Shreiber Scholarship Fund" provides tuition reimbursement for employees, and the ESPP allows employees to buy company stock at a discount.
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office**: Not explicitly stated, but the corporate headquarters in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and multiple regional facilities suggest a primarily on-site or hybrid model depending on role.

## Sources
1. [jjsnack.com (Overview)](https://www.jjsnack.com/)
2. [jjsnack.com (Careers)](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
3. [jjsnack.com (About Page)](https://www.jjsnack.com/about/)
4. [jjsnack.com (FY2024 Annual Report)](https://www.jjsnack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Website-PDF_-EBookV1_368051_Annaul.pdf)
5. [Greenhouse (Job Board)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/jjsnackfoods)

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