VP of Engineering & Maintenance
The VP of Engineering & Maintenance is responsible for leading the strategic direction, planning, and execution of all engineering and maintenance functions. The VP will oversee capital projects, engineering design, preventative maintenance programs, and regulatory compliance, while aligning departmental objectives with business goals. This position plays a critical role in driving efficiency, minimizing downtime, and supporting long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Develop and execute the overall engineering and maintenance strategy aligned with company objectives
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and maintenance teams
Partner with operations, quality, research and development, supply chain, accounting, and HR to drive cross-functional alignment
Establish KPIs to measure performance, efficiency, and equipment reliability
Develop and manage budgets for engineering and maintenance. Monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities
Engineering
- Oversee design, development, and implementation of engineering projects
- Ensure all systems, equipment, and processes meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, and innovation
Manage vendor selection, contractor performance, and project timelines
Maintenance
Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs
Oversee CMMS/EAM systems to ensure accurate tracking of maintenance activities
Drive initiatives to reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability
Ensure troubleshooting and resolution of equipment and system issues
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all OSHA, FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements
- Maintain adherence to GMPs, food safety, and quality standards
- Promote a strong safety culture within engineering and maintenance teams
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering and maintenance
- Strong background in manufacturing environments, preferably in food, beverage, or dairy processing
Experience with liquid foods processing systems, including aseptic and/or ESL processing (preferred)
- Proven experience with CMMS/EAM systems
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and team development skills
- Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Financial and budget management experience
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Deep understanding of engineering principles and maintenance strategies
- Ability to drive change and implement process improvements
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000
Steuben Foods is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
