Plant Engineer

PLANT ENGINEER – TRUROOTS (CHICO, CA)

About TruRoots

TruRoots Company is a leading natural and organic food manufacturer rooted in sustainable practices—from farm to fridge—under brands such as TruRoots™, R.W. Knudsen™, and Santa Cruz Organic™. Our Chico, CA facility is recognized for product quality, environmental stewardship, waste reduction, water conservation, renewable electricity, and adherence to a Zero Waste to landfill strategy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Plant Engineer is a key technical leader at the Chico facility responsible for improving production systems, developing packaging and process solutions, executing capital projects, and supporting continuous manufacturing reliability. This role integrates packaging engineering and process engineering capabilities to optimize equipment performance, reduce waste, elevate product quality, and drive efficiency across production operations.

The Plant Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Marketing to support commercial launches, industrialize new technologies, and maintain a high-performing and sustainable manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Packaging & Process Engineering

• Design, optimize, and validate packaging systems (primary, secondary, tertiary) for manufacturability, durability, food safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
• Lead plant trials, commissioning runs, and industrialization activities for new packaging formats, materials, and product introductions.
• Develop process control strategies to reduce defects, variation, and spoilage while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct and review packaging performance tests (distribution, climate, drop testing, compatibility, shelf stability).
• Recommend material choices, technologies, and vendor solutions that support product integrity, sustainability, and cost optimization.

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

Project & Capital Management

Cross-Functional Coordination

QUALIFICATIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

Equal Employment Opportunity

TruRoots 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, TruRoots 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.