Optimization Engineering Specialist – Linear Filling (Part-Time) in Germantown, Wisconsin at Gehl Food & Beverage

Position Overview

Gehl Food & Beverage is seeking a part-time Optimization Engineering Specialist to provide expert guidance on the performance, optimization, and reliability of JBT SF&DS Asep-tec Linear Fillers within our low-acid aseptic manufacturing operations. This role serves as a strategic advisor focused on identifying performance opportunities, directing improvement initiatives, and developing internal capabilities—without performing hands-on technical work.

What You'll Do

• Assess linear filler performance and identify key constraints impacting OEE, throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain optimization roadmaps, improvement plans, and prioritized action strategies.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts through site teams and provide direction on performance improvement initiatives.
• Advise engineering and capital project teams on technical scope, specifications, lifecycle planning, and reliability improvements.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and OEM partners to align resources and improvement priorities.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to site leadership on filler performance strategy, risk mitigation, and improvement sequencing.
• Coach and develop internal engineers and technicians through knowledge transfer, structured problem-solving, and best-practice guidance.
• Monitor progress against improvement plans and provide recommendations to sustain long-term performance gains.

What You'll Need

• 10+ years of experience with JBT linear fillers or comparable aseptic filling systems.
• Deep expertise across mechanical, electrical, and controls systems associated with JBT SF&DS Asep-tec Linear Fillers.
• Proven success leading performance improvement initiatives that deliver measurable OEE improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Experience working in a consulting, advisory, or leadership capacity where influence is achieved without direct authority.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage plant leadership, technical teams, and OEM partners.

Location: Germantown, WI (primarily on-site)

Travel: Limited travel to Lathrop, CA and Walterboro, SC as needed.