Director of Engineering

We are seeking a talented and highly experienced Director of Engineering to join an exciting and rapidly growing food & beverage manufacturer. This role will oversee the engineering function across multiple facilities, providing leadership in team development, project execution, and budget management. This role requires a blend of strategic vision and technical expertise to enhance operational performance and foster innovation. Reporting to senior leadership, the Director of Engineering will be instrumental in ensuring plant operations' efficiency, reliability, and safety. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced engineering leader to drive impactful improvements and contribute to the success of a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing organization.

Location: Central New York State

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure plant operations meet or exceed OEM specifications and pursue higher operational standards.
• Set team goals, hire and train engineers, and prioritize engineering projects.
• Provide technical expertise across all critical phases of engineering disciplines, including project development and execution.
• Actively manage critical downtime, supporting plant engineers and maintenance teams.
• Oversee engineering teams across multiple plant locations, including plant engineers, project engineers, wastewater, and facility engineering personnel.
• Monitor internal systems for reliability and performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Offer critical feedback on plant operations to support engineering and maintenance teams while fostering a cohesive work environment.
• Provide troubleshooting support for plant mechanical, utility, operations, and wastewater systems.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations.
• Develop and manage budgets for the engineering department.
• Design strategies for future development projects aligned with company objectives and resources.
• Manage software development projects by defining requirements, goals, and timelines.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders for the integration of new tools and technologies.
• Review and update policies related to internal systems and equipment.
• Implement innovative technologies to improve efficiency and drive growth.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering discipline. Master’s degree in engineering preferred.
• 12–15 years of experience as a plant engineer or Director of Engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.
• Extensive experience in engineering project management and product development.
• Hands-on experience in both back-end and front-end development.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a "lead from the front" mentality.
• Excellent strategic thinking and project management abilities.

• Must be able to work in environments with varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to ingredients used in food manufacturing, including allergens.
• May encounter chemicals commonly used in food processing and distribution facilities.
• Ability to navigate all facility areas, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform job duties safely.
• Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.
• Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.
• Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodation.
• Visual acuity is sufficient to perform job duties accurately.
• Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.
• Flexible to support 24/7/365 processing operation.

Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 per year