Manufacturing Systems Engineer
At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.
We are seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer who understands the plant floor and is passionate about improving manufacturing performance. This role will strengthen performance management, improve manufacturing processes and systems, lead technology-driven improvements, and drive greater standardization across Sensient sites globally. Success requires strong collaboration with Operations leadership, a continuous improvement mindset, the ability to turn manufacturing needs into practical solutions, and a strong bias for action.
What You’ll Do:
- Build and manage a comprehensive site performance management system, including scorecards, automated data collection, and reporting by shift, production line, and work center.
- Develop tools and processes to identify performance opportunities, prioritize improvement projects, trigger action plans, and track execution.
- Create and standardize production cost models and benchmarking tools to provide accurate manufacturing cost insights and drive performance improvements across Sensient sites.
- Lead the deployment of on-stream performance metrics and prepare the St. Louis site for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementation, while supporting manufacturing systems standardization across Sensient operations.
- Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Technology leadership to provide performance insights, identify opportunities, anticipate trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
- Establish consistent performance management and governance processes across Sensient manufacturing sites to strengthen operational excellence and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
- Strong manufacturing knowledge with experience in manufacturing systems, performance measurement, process improvement, and data-driven problem solving.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess manufacturing performance, identify opportunities, and translate insights into practical solutions.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, with the ability to prioritize opportunities and drive initiatives that improve operational performance.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across Operations, Manufacturing Technology, and technical teams.
- Strong project management, leadership, and change management skills preferred, with a results-driven mindset, strong bias for action.
What You’ll Get:
- The opportunity to join a leading global ingredients company and play a key role in advancing its manufacturing capabilities.
- Broad visibility and ownership, working closely with Operations and leadership to shape how manufacturing performance is managed and improved.
- The opportunity to lead meaningful technology initiatives, including MES implementation and the automation and integration of manufacturing systems.
- A global platform for your ideas, with the opportunity to help standardize and strengthen manufacturing practices across multiple Sensient sites.
- The chance to make a tangible difference, in a collaborative, action-oriented environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and results are valued.
About Sensient:
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.
About Sensient Colors:
Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.
Sponsorship: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in (country) without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
Third Party Agency: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.
Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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our stories We work together in person to put the needs of our customers first and get results. Be different. Be Sensient. -
who we are We’re on a mission across the globe to unlock the potential of our customers’ food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products. -
faq You have questions? here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about a career with Sensient. -
the Americas We offer multiple locations across the United States, Latin America, and Canada. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
APAC region We offer multiple locations across the Asia-Pacific region. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
EMEA region We offer multiple locations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
global locations At Sensient, we believe in the power of collaborating face-to-face, in person. With locations around the world, we offer plenty of opportunities to build the career that best suits you. Learn more about our global locations. -
what we do We develop and manufacture flavors, colors, and extracts that bring our customers’ products to life. Our products positively impact the daily experience of millions. -
sustainability Sustainability is central to our mission at Sensient. Everyone here is dedicated to working together to bring sustainable innovations to the world. This includes vegan flavors, low-carbon products, natural and organic ingredients, and so much more. -
key hiring areas at Sensient Technologies Many paths to success. With a variety of categories and locations, it’s important to find the role that fits you best. -
learning & development We offer a variety of unmatched opportunities for training designed to help you develop your skills. Each program is tailored to specific areas of focus and intended to bring out your best while setting you up for a long, exciting, and fruitful career at Sensient. Take control of your future and learn more about our development programs. -
tips for your application Interested in applying to join us, but not sure how to begin? We’ve compiled a list of tips and advice from some current employees to help you get started. -
careers in research & development Where innovation is born and applied. If you’re an analytic thinker, scientific researcher, and driven winner, our Research and Development (R&D) department is where you can take control of your career. -
coaching at Sensient Having a strong coaching culture is a top priority for Sensient. We are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their roles to meet their future career goals. -
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sales careers Are you ambitious with a competitive spirit? Do you want to be rewarded for your hard work and results? Does your professional success matter to you? If so, join Sensient’s elite sales team. -
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working at juneau Discover what makes working at the Juneau, WI facility unique! With a rich history, and a close-knit team of under 100 employees, this location offers a collaborative work environment where personal connections thrive. -
working in st. louis Discover what it's like working at our Colors Headquarters! With a dynamic work environment, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute with a focus on innovation and career development. -
Why Sensient? -
your future starts at Sensient Unleash the power of bold flavors and bright colors and experience the thrill of developing products that are essential to hundreds of millions of users. Learn more about who we are and how our teams work together to create innovative solutions. -
careers in research & development Explore careers in Research & Development at Sensient. Work on science‑driven innovation, global impact, and sustainable solutions across industries. -
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career changers: build a sales career at Sensient For driven professionals ready to turn expertise into sales success at Sensient. -
career growth at Sensient Unlock your potential with Sensient's growth programs. Bring your grit, and we'll teach you the rest. Explore opportunities in research, sales, manufacturing, and more. -
early days at Sensient Success starts here. Explore Sensient’s world-class onboarding experience built to help you feel welcomed, prepared, and supported from your first day onward. -
our business goal at Sensient Discover how Sensient’s technology, scale, and people power innovation across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications—shaping products used every day around the world. -
discover Sensient's culture: innovation, collaboration, and growth Explore the culture at Sensient, where innovation, collaboration, and customer focus drive success. Learn how employees grow their careers, take ownership, and thrive through continuous learning. -
sales training programs: fast-track your career with Sensient Learn about Sensient's Sales Rep Trainee Program and Inside Sales Representative roles. Gain hands-on training, mentorship, career growth opportunities, and the skills to build a successful sales career.