Operations Engineer Jobs in Tampa, FL

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Process Engineer – Gummy Operations to drive technical process optimization, own first-time production runs, and support equipment reliability across our gummy manufacturing facility. This individual contributor role bridges practical engineering tasks with real-world floor execution. You will serve as the primary process owner for new product introductions (NPI), establishing baseline manufacturing parameters for new gummy formulations, troubleshooting machine-to-formulation challenges, and training line technicians on validated standard operating procedures. Operating without direct supervisory or personnel management duties, this position allows a technical expert to focus 100% on process optimization, hands-on mechanical adjustments, yield improvement, and operator training.

Key Responsibilities

• First-Time Run & NPI Process Ownership: Serve as the technical engineering owner for first-time gummy production runs, establishing and validating optimal operating parameters (cooking temperatures, brix/viscosity levels, deposit rates, mold release, and gelation/curing times) for new product formulations.
• Process Engineering & Yield Optimization: Analyze line throughput, map production workflows, evaluate scrap rates, and implement targeted technical solutions to improve deposit accuracy, reduce yield losses, and streamline line changeover times.
• Line Setup, Calibration & Troubleshooting: Perform hands-on mechanical setup, equipment integration, precision calibration, tooling changeovers, and continuous process troubleshooting on automated gummy cookers, depositors, oiling/sugaring drums, and high-speed packaging equipment.
• Operator Technical Training & SOP Development: Translate complex process engineering parameters into clear, practical work instructions and act as the lead floor trainer—coaching technicians and operators on machine setup, routine mechanical adjustments, inline quality testing, and equipment safety.
• Compounding & Scale-Up Execution: Oversee and execute batch compounding, liquid/powder blending, and ingredient additions for complex nutraceutical and functional gummy recipes, ensuring smooth scale-up from pilot trials to full-scale commercial manufacturing runs.
• Regulatory Compliance & cGMP Alignment: Ensure all machine setups, engineering process changes, batch operations, and training materials adhere to strict FDA regulations, cGMP guidelines, and plant sanitation requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Industry Experience: 5+ years of practical engineering or senior technical experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments (nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements, CBD, or cosmetics).
• Gummy Process Expertise: Deep hands-on technical background operating, calibrating, setting up, and troubleshooting automated gummy production lines, with proven success scaling new formulations into production runs.
• Mechanical & Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, experience performing equipment maintenance/buildout, and strong hands-on capability in industrial batch compounding and blending.
• Training & Technical Mentorship: Proven ability to train, mentor, and transfer technical machinery skills to floor operators, with strong written skills for drafting work instructions and troubleshooting guides.
• Education & Training: High school diploma, technical machinery training certificates, trade certification, or equivalent practical engineering experience.