Agriculture Process Optimization Engineer

Job description

Company Description About Syngenta Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities , Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram & X . Job Description We make a difference At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Continuous Nurseries is seeking a Agriculture Process Optimization Engineer in Jalapa, Guatemala. The DH Operations & Process Engineering Coordinator is responsible for managing, optimizing, and engineering all operational workflows across the doubled haploid (DH) production process at the Jalapa site. This role combines operational coordination with process engineering to drive efficiency, workforce management, optimize resource utilization, and implement continuous improvement initiatives throughout the production lifecycle. Accountabilities Process Engineering & Optimization: Engineer and redesign lab and field workflows to improve sample handling, data processing, and result delivery. Analyze and optimize end-to-end process flows using industrial engineering principles Develop and implement scalable workflow solutions to accommodate increased production volumes. Research and recommend automation solutions to simplify and accelerate processes. Map the DH process space to identify bottlenecks and engineering challenges. Labor Efficiency Monitoring: Develop and maintain labor utilization tracking systems across all process stages. Monitor direct vs. indirect labor hours and optimize workforce allocation. Track productivity rates and labor efficiency metrics by process area. Analyze overtime patterns and develop strategies to optimize scheduling. Implement standard work measurement techniques to establish baseline performance. Performance Analysis & Metrics: Track actual versus planned metrics across the DH process to identify productivity opportunities. Monitor and analyze deviations in workflow estimates and update prediction models. Assess impacts of workload variations on project plans and resource requirements. Process Coordination & Workflow Management: Coordinate daily activities across all DH production stages. Track material flow and optimize production scheduling. Monitor timing and progress between stages to ensure continuous workflow. Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Data Management & Analytics: Maintain accurate records of material movement, timing, and status. Perform statistical analysis to identify process improvement opportunities. Track and report on stage-specific capacities and throughput metrics. Generate regular reports on operational performance and material flow status. Resource Optimization: Monitor resource utilization and efficiency across DH stages. Optimize worker allocation based on workflow demands and engineering studies. Track worker hours/area versus budgeted hours. Develop capacity planning models and resource forecasting tools. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. 2-3 years of experience in process engineering, operations optimization, or similar role. Lean Six Sigma certification preferred. Experience with AI tools for productivity and operational workflow modeling. Experience in agricultural operations or laboratory environments preferred. Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in data analysis and process modeling tools. Experience with workflow optimization and industrial engineering principles. Understanding of capacity planning and throughput analysis. Knowledge of automation and process control systems. Proficiency in statistical analysis and performance metrics. Core Competencies: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Process improvement and optimization mindset. Project management and coordination skills. Clear and effective communication abilities. Collaborative approach to cross-functional teams. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred. Desired Research & Development Experience. Production & Supply Experience. Additional Information What We Offer A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. Important: Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Beyond just believing in the power of diversity, Syngenta Group promotes an inclusive culture that includes differences in all its forms. We believe that the feeling of belonging allows people to become their best version, building an increasingly welcoming and productive environment. All qualified candidates will be considered for our positions, without distinction of race, gender, age, nationality or disability *This position will not provide relocation support. *This position will require immediate availability. Be part of a leading company that brings the potential of plants to life. #LI-Onsite