Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Waco, TX (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry-we're a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods.

We believe great flavor starts with great people. That's why we're committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy's SuccessThe Engineering Maintenance Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of all plant operations. This role owns maintenance strategy and execution, supports capital and automation projects, and develops a high-performing team of technicians. The manager drives continuous improvement, ensures regulatory compliance, and contributes to the strategic growth of the organization through innovation and operational excellence.How You Will Contribute

Maintenance & Reliability

• Oversee all maintenance activities including repairs, preventive maintenance, equipment installation.

• Design, implement, and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures and recurring issues.

• Manage CMMS (work orders, PM compliance, spares, vendor performance); set and track KPIs (uptime/OEE, MTTR/MTBF, PM compliance, maintenance cost as % of RAV).

• Oversee spare parts inventory, procurement processes, critical spares and vendor relationships to ensure availability and cost efficiency.

• Ensure 24/7 readiness of critical systems, including on-call coverage and emergency response protocols.

• Own utilities and infrastructure (e.g., boilers/steam, compressed air, chilled water, HVAC, water/wastewater, electrical distribution).

Engineering & Projects

• Partner with Engineering on capital projects (equipment upgrades, facility expansions, automation/controls) from business case through FAT/SAT and startup.
• Champion new technologies such as, Industry 4.0/Smart Factory solutions (sensors, data historians, SCADA/PLC integrations) to modernize operations.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, contractors, and change control; deliver to ROI targets.
• Collaborate with Operations/Quality/EHS to implement Lean/TPM improvements that increase productivity and reduce waste.

People Leadership

• Recruit, train, and develop a skilled and motivated team of maintenance technicians.
• Set clear expectations, coach performance, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning (5S/standard work).
• Create and manage work schedules, ensuring coverage and responsiveness across all shifts, and compliance with all relevant labor laws/local ordinances.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, electrical safety (Arc Flash), LOTO, relevant city of Chicago ordinances, and confined space requirements.
• In a food manufacturing context, partner with QA on cGMP, FSMA, USDA, HACCP, SQF/BRC requirements; maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Lead safety initiatives, including hazard assessments, training programs, and incident investigations.
• Drive a zero-incident mindset and proactive risk reductions.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Develop and manage annual budget for maintenance and engineering functions.
• Provide regular reports on equipment performance, project milestones, cost savings, and strategic recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for capital investment and present business cases for new equipment or technology adoption.

Skills and Requirements

• Stationary Engineer license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent handson engineering, manufacturing, or technical operations experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of maintenance/engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, including 3+ years in a leadership role (e.g., supervising technicians/engineers, setting goals, coaching performance).
• Experience leading Maintenance department in a Food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Class K license preferred.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience managing preventive maintenance programs and facility utilities.
• Proven expertise with CMMS systems, reliability-centered maintenance, and Lean/TPM principles.
• Strong leadership, cross-functional influence, and change management skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with budgeting, vendor/contract management, and regulatory compliance.

Starting Salary : $110,500 - $149,500The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.For more information on our benefits click here.Our Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.