The Plant Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all engineering, maintenance, and reliability functions at a large food & beverage manufacturing facility. This role ensures equipment, utilities, and infrastructure operate at peak performance while meeting food safety, regulatory, and operational efficiency standards.

GREEN CARD OR US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED - NO SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE 

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering & Maintenance Leadership 

• Lead and develop maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability and plant uptime.

• Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance programs, driving continuous improvement in performance and cost efficiency 
• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and engineering operations, ensuring the reliability and performance of processing, packaging, and utility systems.
• Manage processing and utility systems, including pasteurization, homogenizers, CIP, refrigeration, boilers, and wastewater.
• Track and improve KPIs related to OEE, downtime, and maintenance costs.

• Partner with production, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve technical issues and support plant goals.

• Manage budgets, vendor contracts, and cost reduction initiatives.

Safety, Compliance, & Food Manufacturing Standards

• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, PMO , SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and OSHA standards.

• Ensure compliance City, State & Federal Environmental Compliance Reporting (eg. PSM compliance)

• Drive a culture of safety, ensuring maintenance and engineering teams follow proper procedures and PPE requirements.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage the engineering and maintenance budget, optimizing costs while maintaining operational excellence.

• Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure cost-effective procurement of equipment and materials.

• Identify and implement cost reduction strategies, including energy efficiency projects and waste minimization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related engineering field or other degree.

• 10+ years in plant engineering, maintenance, or reliability within food & beverage manufacturing.

• Expertise in processing equipment, refrigeration systems, utilities, and process automation.

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs and ladder logic troubleshooting.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Travel:

• 50–75% travel for onboarding to start for learning and education of operations

• Up to 25% travel until plant startup; occasional infrequent travel afterward.