Plant Maintenance & Engineering Manager

The Plant Maintenance & Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all maintenance, engineering, and facility operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of plant equipment, production processes, buildings, and grounds. This role plays a critical leadership function within a protein manufacturing environment, driving continuous improvement, capital project execution, regulatory compliance, and operational uptime.

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, protein processing environments, and mechanical/electrical systems, along with proven leadership experience in a breader/batter protein manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Reliability Leadership

Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs for all plant equipment, utilities, and infrastructure

Ensure maximum equipment uptime and operational efficiency across production lines and facility systems

Lead troubleshooting and rapid resolution of mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues

Develop and implement best-in-class maintenance practices and reliability strategies

Engineering & Capital Projects

Design and optimize plant processing line layouts to support operational changes, expansions, and efficiency improvements

Plan, coordinate, and oversee plant additions, renovations, and equipment installations

Develop and manage capital and expense budgets, including project planning, execution, and cost control

Partner with internal stakeholders and external contractors to deliver projects on time and within budget

Compliance, Safety & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure full compliance with OSHA, safety, and regulatory requirements at all times

Maintain safe work practices across maintenance, engineering, and facility operations

Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives within a protein processing environment

Manage ammonia refrigeration systems in compliance with all applicable safety standards

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and develop maintenance and engineering personnel

Ensure team members have the tools, training, and technical knowledge required to sustain facility operations

Collaborate closely with production, quality, and senior leadership to address operational challenges

Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement

Vendor & Contractor Management

Maintain strong working relationships with contractors, service providers, and equipment vendors

Oversee contractor performance and ensure efficient execution of maintenance and capital work

Evaluate new technologies and solutions to enhance plant performance and reliability

Required Qualifications

Associates degree in a technical field (Electrical, Mechanical, or related) or equivalent hands-on experience

Minimum 5+ years of maintenance management experience within a breader/batter protein manufacturing environment

Direct experience working with ammonia refrigeration and protein processing systems

Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems

Experience with CAD capabilities and understanding of PLC-controlled equipment

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and shifting operational demands

Proven leadership experience managing maintenance and engineering teams in a manufacturing setting

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly identify and resolve operational issues

Computer proficiency including Microsoft Excel and Word

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience in USDA-regulated or food processing environments

Background in continuous improvement, process optimization, or plant expansion projects

Familiarity with CMMS systems and reliability-centered maintenance practices

Experience managing large-scale capital equipment installations

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Regular exposure to manufacturing and processing areas requiring PPE including safety glasses and hearing protection

Ability to work in temperature-variable environments ranging from -40°F to 110°F

Frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs)

Exposure to noisy production environments and refrigerated processing areas

Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced industrial protein manufacturing facility

Why This Role

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to drive plant reliability, engineering innovation, and operational excellence within a specialized protein manufacturing environment, with significant influence over capital projects, maintenance strategy, and long-term facility performance.