Engineering Manager, Food Manufacturing

We’re partnering with a major unionized food manufacturer to hire a hands-on Engineering Manager who knows their way around machinery—not just the budget. This is a senior technical leadership role for someone with a true engineering backbone who can diagnose, repair, and optimize equipment without defaulting to external contractors.

If you come from food manufacturing, rendering, edible oils, or high-temperature processing and you’re the person others call when the machine actually needs fixing—this role was built for you.

Engineering Manager – Role Details

• Monday–Friday | Day Shift
• $135K - $153K Salary (based on qualifications)
• Bonus eligibility
• Benefits from Day 1
• 3 weeks vacation

Engineering Manager – Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance strategy to maximize uptime, reliability, and efficiency
• Personally support and troubleshoot complex mechanical and process equipment when required—this is a hands-on role
• Oversee daily maintenance activities and mentor technical teams
• Optimize equipment design, layouts, and preventative maintenance programs
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety standards
• Own CAPEX planning, execution, and long-term asset strategy
• Manage maintenance budgets and drive cost-saving initiatives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Production
• Maintain high safety standards across all food processing equipment
• Continuously improve engineering and maintenance processes, policies, and procedures
• Train teams and ensure adherence to safety and operational standards

Engineering Manager – Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent professional designation
• 443A or 442A considered a strong asset
• 5+ years in a senior engineering or maintenance leadership role within food manufacturing
• Proven hands-on engineering capability—able to repair and troubleshoot equipment directly
• Background in rendering, edible oil processing, high-temperature processing, or similar environments
• Centrifugal equipment experience is a must
• Strong understanding of rendering or thermal processing systems
• Experience with CAPEX, project management, and equipment upgrades
• Demonstrated experience implementing safety programs and procedures
• Familiarity with maintenance tracking and work-order systems
• Strong budgeting and cost-control experience within engineering or maintenance operations