Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location: Lakewood, NJ (Onsite)
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
Salary: $85,000–$145,000 annually, based on experience
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Company Overview
Astor Chocolate is a 4th generation privately held, family-owned company and has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 90 years with our core strengths being innovation, creativity, and dedication to creating premium products. The company services multiple industries ranging from Hospitality, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI, and Gourmet specialty retailers. Astor, with our energetic team atmosphere, believes the success of our growth is our strong commitment to developing our employees' potential. We are committed to building the company with talented and motivated individuals who will uphold our mission of being a market leader by innovating and servicing our customers with extreme dedication.
Position Summary
Astor Chocolate is seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead operational improvement initiatives across our manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements that reduce costs, increase efficiency, and optimize manufacturing operations while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, product quality, and workplace safety.
Working closely with cross-functional teams: including Production, Quality, Safety, Procurement, Warehouse, and Maintenance, you will evaluate end-to-end manufacturing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead projects that deliver measurable operational and financial results.
This is a highly visible role that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is an influential leader who can drive change through collaboration and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
Essential Functions
Analyze manufacturing operations from receiving through shipping to identify opportunities for cost reduction, waste elimination, and process optimization.Develop and implement projects that improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and operational performance while maintaining compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.Evaluate production workflows, material flow, labor utilization, equipment performance, inventory management, and facility layout to maximize operational efficiency.Create process maps, value stream maps, and future-state workflows to support continuous improvement initiatives.Partner with Production, Quality, Safety, Procurement, Warehouse, and Maintenance teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.Lead cross-functional projects from concept through execution, including planning, implementation, measurement, and continuous monitoring.Identify opportunities to improve packaging operations, manual assembly processes, manufacturing line design, and plant footprint optimization.Support equipment installation and manufacturing process improvements as needed.Develop metrics and reporting tools to measure project success, including cost savings, productivity gains, waste reduction, and operational improvements.Educate, coach, and influence teams on continuous improvement principles while fostering a culture of operational excellence.Present recommendations, project updates, and business leadership.Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field.Minimum of 3 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Excellence, or a related role within a food manufacturing environment.Experience working in an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment.Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable cost savings, productivity improvements, or operational efficiencies.Experience evaluating manufacturing processes and implementing sustainable operational improvements.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.Excellent project management and organizational abilities.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.Experience working with ERP systems and utilizing data to support operational decision-making.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.Experience with packaging engineering or packaging optimization.Experience supporting manufacturing equipment installation.Manufacturing line design and facility layout optimization experience.Inventory management optimization experience.Experience improving manual assembly processes.Knowledge of ASTM testing standards and packaging validation protocols.Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package including:
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance401(k) with company matchPaid Time Off (PTO) & Paid HolidaysLife and Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesKeywords: Operational Excellence Engineer | Manufacturing Process Engineer | Operational Excellence Manager | Manufacturing Excellence Engineer |
Astor Chocolate is a 4th generation privately held, family-owned company and has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 90 years with core strengths in innovation, creativity, and dedication to creating premium products. The company services multiple industries ranging from Hospitality, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI, and Gourmet specialty retailers.
Astor Chocolate, with its energetic team atmosphere, believes the success of its growth is rooted in a strong commitment to developing employees' potential. The company is committed to building a workplace with talented and motivated individuals who will uphold its mission of being a market leader by innovating and servicing customers with extreme dedication.
Position SummaryThe Machine Operator – Chocolate Molding Production is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining chocolate molding production equipment to ensure efficient production runs, high-quality output, and minimal downtime. This role plays a key part in maintaining continuous production flow and product consistency.
The ideal candidate is a reliable, hands-on team player with strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to troubleshoot independently, and confidence working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this role includes quickly learning processes, maintaining high attendance reliability, and independently managing machine operation and basic maintenance tasks.
We offer a competitive compensation package including:
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance401(k) with company matchPaid Time Off (PTO) & Paid HolidaysLife and Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesCommitment to DiversityAstor Chocolate is committed to creating an inclusive culture that values each employee's unique perspective and diverse backgrounds. We provide equal opportunities to all employees, fostering an environment that promotes inclusion and celebrates cultural differences.
Astor Chocolate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
Astor Chocolate es una empresa familiar de cuarta generación, de propiedad privada, y ha sido un reconocido proveedor de chocolate durante más de 90 años, con fortalezas principales en innovación, creatividad y dedicación a la creación de productos premium. La empresa presta servicios a múltiples industrias que incluyen Hospitalidad, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI y minoristas gourmet especializados.
Astor Chocolate, con su ambiente de equipo dinámico, cree que el éxito de su crecimiento se basa en un fuerte compromiso con el desarrollo del potencial de sus empleados. La empresa está comprometida con construir un lugar de trabajo con personas talentosas y motivadas que respalden su misión de ser líder del mercado mediante la innovación y la atención excepcional a sus clientes.
Resumen del PuestoEl Operador de Máquina – Producción de Moldeo de Chocolate es responsable de operar, supervisar y mantener los equipos de moldeo de chocolate para garantizar procesos de producción eficientes, productos de alta calidad y tiempos de inactividad mínimos. Este rol es clave para mantener un flujo continuo de producción y la consistencia del producto.
El candidato ideal es una persona confiable, práctica, con mentalidad de trabajo en equipo, fuerte aptitud mecánica, capacidad para resolver problemas de manera independiente y seguridad para trabajar en un entorno de manufactura de ritmo acelerado. El éxito en este puesto incluye aprender rápidamente los procesos, mantener un alto nivel de asistencia y gestionar de forma autónoma la operación de la máquina y tareas básicas de mantenimiento.
Funciones EsencialesConfigurar, operar y supervisar la maquinaria de moldeo de chocolate según las especificaciones de producción.Realizar mantenimiento rutinario, resolución básica de problemas y ajustes para asegurar el rendimiento óptimo de la máquina.Desarmar y realizar limpieza profunda del equipo como parte de los cambios de producción y procedimientos de sanitización.Ejecutar cambios de producto ajustando la configuración de la maquinaria para diferentes corridas de producción.Monitorear las operaciones para identificar fallas o irregularidades y resolverlas o escalarlas según sea necesario.Inspeccionar los productos terminados para asegurar el cumplimiento de los estándares de calidad.Registrar datos de producción con precisión y mantener los registros y documentación requeridos.Mantener un entorno de trabajo limpio, seguro y organizado conforme a las políticas de la empresa y las normas de OSHA.Comunicar oportunamente a los supervisores cualquier problema de producción, tiempos de inactividad o necesidades de equipo.Apoyar al equipo para cumplir con los objetivos de producción, plazos y metas de eficiencia.Participar en actividades de mantenimiento preventivo según sea necesario.RequisitosDiploma de escuela secundaria o equivalente (requerido).Capacidad para comunicarse de manera efectiva en inglés (requerido).Bilingüe en español (requerido).Sólida aptitud mecánica y comodidad trabajando con maquinaria industrial.Capacidad para resolver problemas de equipos de manera independiente.Capacidad para aprender procesos rápidamente y adaptarse en un entorno de ritmo acelerado.Capacidad para permanecer de pie por largos períodos y levantar hasta 40 libras.Alta confiabilidad y récord consistente de asistencia.Disponibilidad para trabajar turno nocturno y horas extras ocasionales, incluidos fines de semana.Requisitos PreferidosExperiencia previa en manufactura o producción de alimentos.Experiencia trabajando con equipos de línea de producción y cambios de formato.Familiaridad con procesos de mantenimiento preventivo.Fuertes habilidades de toma de decisiones en entornos de producción en tiempo real.Capacidad para trabajar con mínima supervisión manteniendo productividad y estándares de seguridad.HorarioTurno: 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM ESTIncluye dos descansos de 10 minutos y un almuerzo de 30 minutosHoras extras ocasionales, incluyendo extensiones entre semana y posibles turnos de sábado/domingo por la nocheLa capacitación se realizará en el turno diurno antes de ser asignado al turno nocturnoCompensación y BeneficiosOfrecemos un paquete de compensación competitivo que incluye:
Seguro médico, dental y de visiónPlan 401(k) con aporte de la empresaTiempo libre pagado (PTO) y días festivos pagadosSeguro de vida e incapacidadPrograma de Asistencia al Empleado (EAP)Oportunidades de desarrollo profesionalCompromiso con la DiversidadAstor Chocolate está comprometida con crear una cultura inclusiva que valore la perspectiva única y los diversos antecedentes de cada empleado. Brindamos igualdad de oportunidades a todos los empleados, fomentando un entorno que promueve la inclusión y celebra las diferencias culturales.
Astor Chocolate es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por edad, raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, origen nacional, estatus de veterano protegido, discapacidad ni ninguna otra clase protegida. Estamos comprometidos con brindar igualdad de oportunidades de empleo para todos.
Read LessAstor Chocolate is a 4th generation privately held, family-owned company and has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 90 years with core strengths in innovation, creativity, and dedication to creating premium products. The company services multiple industries ranging from Hospitality, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI, and Gourmet specialty retailers.
Astor Chocolate, with its energetic team atmosphere, believes the success of its growth is rooted in a strong commitment to developing employees' potential. The company is committed to building a workplace with talented and motivated individuals who will uphold its mission of being a market leader by innovating and servicing customers with extreme dedication.
Position SummaryThe Machine Operator – Chocolate Molding Production is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining chocolate molding production equipment to ensure efficient production runs, high-quality output, and minimal downtime. This role plays a key part in maintaining continuous production flow and product consistency.
The ideal candidate is a reliable, hands-on team player with strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to troubleshoot independently, and confidence working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this role includes quickly learning processes, maintaining high attendance reliability, and independently managing machine operation and basic maintenance tasks.
Shift: 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM EST
Essential FunctionsSet up, operate, and monitor chocolate molding production machinery according to production specifications.Perform routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and adjustments to ensure optimal machine performance.Disassemble and deep clean equipment as part of changeovers and sanitation procedures.Execute product changeovers by adjusting machinery settings for different production runs.Monitor operations to identify malfunctions or irregularities and resolve or escalate issues as needed.Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are consistently met.Record production data accurately and maintain required logs and documentation.Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with company policies and OSHA standards.Communicate production issues, downtime, or equipment needs promptly to supervisors.Support team members to meet production goals, deadlines, and efficiency targets.Participate in preventive maintenance activities as required.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Ability to communicate effectively in English (required).Bilingual in Spanish (required).Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial machinery.Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues independently.Ability to learn processes quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.Strong reliability and consistent attendance record.Ability to work overnight shift and occasional overtime, including weekends.Preferred QualificationsPrior experience in a manufacturing or food production environment.Experience working with production line equipment and changeovers.Familiarity with preventive maintenance processes.Strong decision-making skills in real-time production environments.Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety standards.ScheduleShift: 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM ESTIncludes two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunchOccasional overtime, including extended weekday hours and potential Saturday/Sunday night shiftsTraining will be conducted on the day shift prior to assignment to overnight scheduleCompensation & BenefitsWe offer a competitive compensation package including:
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance401(k) with company matchPaid Time Off (PTO) & Paid HolidaysLife and Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesCommitment to DiversityAstor Chocolate is committed to creating an inclusive culture that values each employee's unique perspective and diverse backgrounds. We provide equal opportunities to all employees, fostering an environment that promotes inclusion and celebrates cultural differences.
Astor Chocolate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
