Manufacturing Performance Engineer

Catelli Brothers, based in Collingswood, New Jersey, is the U.S. meat division of Préval AG, North America’s largest veal and lamb packer and processor. The company operates state-of-the-art processing facilities in New Jersey and Massachusetts, distributing high-quality meat products to retailers and food service providers across the country and internationally.

Préval AG is a leader in veal production in North America, with 36 diversified agricultural companies (veal, beef, lamb, field crops, horticulture, grain processing).

The qualified candidate will drive plant performance by improving production capacity, operational productivity, and raw material utilization in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role acts as a key orchestrator of plant performance, translating data into actionable initiatives and ensuring execution on the plant floor.

Manufacturing Performance Focus

This role is structured around three core drivers of plant performance:

• CAPACITY (OEE / Top Losses): maximize output and eliminate major losses impacting throughput

• PRODUCTIVITY (Methods / Flow): improve operational efficiency, line performance, and workflow execution

• MATERIAL (Yield / Giveaway): optimize raw material utilization and reduce processing and giveaway losses

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyze performance (OEE, losses, yield, capacity) to identify gaps and improvement priorities

• Lead Top Loss identification, root cause analysis, and elimination of recurring issues

• Improve material utilization and reduce giveaway through data-driven initiatives

• Lead operational improvement projects focused on capacity, productivity, and process performance

• Apply Lean tools (5S, Pareto, 5 Why, A3, SMED, standard work) to eliminate root causes and sustain results

• Act as a performance orchestrator across operations, maintenance, and quality teams

• Support identification, justification, and prioritization of high-ROI improvement opportunities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline with a strong focus on manufacturing operations
• 7–12 years of experience in manufacturing environments with a proven track record of improving operational performance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with Excel, Power BI, Tableau or similar tools
• English required; Spanish is an asset
• Strong presence on the plant floor and ability to drive execution with teams

Compensation:

Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000 based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

This position may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

We offer a robust and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional needs

***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***