Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary
The Plant Engineering Manager will play a pivotal role in driving engineering excellence within our food processing plant. This role involves developing and implementing strategic plans for engineering, maintenance, reliability, and automation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering, with expertise in ammonia refrigeration systems and a proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. The Plant Engineering Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:
Develop and implement a comprehensive Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, and Automation strategic plan for the department.
Create an integrated organization by utilizing roles in various competencies to ensure maintenance and reliability success.
Operational Coordination:
Liaise with the operations group to align engineering strategies with operational needs and support overall production goals.
Coordinate with cross-functional departments (Operations, R amp;D, Supply Chain, etc.) to optimize operational effectiveness, life cycle cost-effectiveness, and MRO procurement activities.
Process Improvement:
Inspect and review procedures, practices, and areas to identify opportunities for reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Identify and evaluate operating problems, recommend, engineer, develop, and implement solutions for productivity and quality improvements.
Performance Management:
Conduct regular team and individual strategy and performance management discussions.
Analyze Key Performance Metrics to deliver improvements in critical maintenance-related metrics such as unplanned downtime, PM compliance, schedule compliance, Mean-Time-Between-Failures, and maintenance-related costs.
Capital Project Management:
Oversee the development and management of capital projects, including budgeting and technical support.
Recommend project scopes, specify and manage the installation of new equipment, rebuilds, retrofits, and replacements, ensuring overall success against project costs, specifications, and reliability.
Governance and Compliance:
Ensure governance of all procedures, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Ensure proper use of the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) as the workflow tool and equipment history database.
Develop and maintain environmental compliance guidelines, policies, and programs.
Training and Development:
Develop, conduct, and/or obtain required training for plant personnel to comply with FDA, EPA, and OSHA regulations.
Provide leadership, training, and support for development projects and foster innovation in equipment reliability systems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Conduct all supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, counseling, disciplining, assigning/prioritizing tasks, and terminations as needed.
Coach and provide guidance to staff to enhance their skills and performance.
Audit and Risk Management:
Participate in plant audits with risk assessment insurers and close out open recommendations following engineering reviews.
Coordination and Communication:
Establish and maintain open communications within the area of responsibility and with supported departments.
Work to ensure close coordination between operations, maintenance, and engineering for prompt diagnosis of equipment failures and minimal downtime.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a plant engineering role, preferably in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
Skills:
Expertise in ammonia refrigeration systems and maintenance.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Knowledge of budgeting methods, cost accounting, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Proficiency in ERP amp; CMMS systems (preferred but not required), with strong skills in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Understanding of maintenance planning and scheduling, and reliability sciences for predictive and preventive activities.
Ability to manage, lead, and work collaboratively with peers.
Ability to foster innovation and lead change.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Work is performed in a food processing plant environment with exposure to noise, varying temperatures, and industrial machinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Must be able to lift 50lb, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces as needed. Must have knowledge of computers and be proficient in word and Excel.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.