Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

Responsible for carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws; training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; supervision and coordination of maintenance department within a specified shift.  Shift is Monday - Saturday, 2:00 pm - 10:30pm.  

Responsibilities:

• Supervise maintenance activities for all manufacturing lines, equipment improvement projects, and for the site buildings.
• Supervise maintenance technicians, including performance and training.
• Update, edit, and assign preventative maintenance work for plant equipment and production operation including coordination of outside contractors and vendors to ensure insurance and licenses are current.
• Ensure all maintenance technicians are trained in safety procedures.
• Works closely with EPA, Metro Water Reclamation District, South Holland Fire Department, and EPA to assure the company is in compliance with all rules, regulations and fire codes to determine proper actions.  
• Develop and implement the company’s LOCKOUT/TAGOUT program.
• Review routine maintenance tasks to improve safety, efficiency, and modify procedures to improve maintenance work.  
• Maintain the plant mechanical integrity programs, including ammonia system inspection, and boilers.
• Works closely with Plant Engineer/Maintenance Manager to develop and implement new equipment processes and packaging equipment projects to increase efficiency and reduce labor cost.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures for the maintenance department to be in compliance with SQF Certification Program.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
• All other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Ability to legally work in the United States
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Associate's degree in technical field required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Four years' experience in the mechanical or electrical trades preferred
• Completion of recognized program in vocational training for the mechanical or electric trades may be substitutable for two years experience.
• Knowledge of Refrigeration System/Process Safety Management is preferred.
• Able to troubleshoot systems accurately and repair breakdowns quickly to maintain operational efficiency.
• Perform cost-cutting modifications that improve safety and boost machine productivity and uptime.
• Expert knowledge in maintenance food processing machinery and production equipment such as Conveyors, Metal detectors, Roll Stocks, Injectors, Tumblers, Shredders, barcoding system, mixing equipment, electrical power, and controls.
• Excellent knowledge and proven abilities in a wide range of technical skills, including:
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Hydraulics                                                  
  • Air Compressors
  • AC & DC drives
  • Welding
  • Electrical
  • H.V.A.C
  • Vacuum Packaging Equipment 

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work in temperatures below 40 degrees. 
• Able to grip and grasp small objects repeatedly.
• Ability to operate hand and power tools.
• Must be able to pay attention to detail and demonstrate independent reasoning and judgment.
• Able to work in various elements- cold/ heat/ humidity.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to push or pull at a rate of up to 75 pounds of force.
• Ability to read equipment and service manuals.
• Strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Able to work overtime and weekends as needed.
• Able to work in a cold, damp environment.
• Must be able to stand for 8-9 hours per day.
• Able to bend, twist, stoop on an occasional basis.
• Must have good hand/eye coordination
   

Pay range for this position is $78,000 to $88,000 depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Vacation & PTO, and Tuition Reimbursement.  There is also a potential for a discretionary bonus this bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement 

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.