Job DescriptionTitle: Senior Manager of Engineering
Location: Rensselaer, New York
Pay Rate: $140K-$150K
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K
The Sr. Manager of Engineering is responsible for managing and directing all aspects of engineering and maintenance within the plant. This includes leading a team of engineers, maintenance managers, and supervisors to ensure optimal equipment performance, facility integrity, and infrastructure reliability. This role is both strategic and operational-developing long-term engineering plans while also addressing day-to-day maintenance needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and maintenance teams to foster a high-performing, safety-first culture.
- Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
- Oversee utilities, electrical distribution, instrumentation, and all production equipment.
- Partner with senior leadership to prioritize and manage capital projects, ensuring delivery on-time and within budget.
- Analyze and recommend equipment replacements considering cost, performance, and lifecycle.
- Establish and track KPIs to measure plant reliability, performance, and maintenance efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement and technology adoption to enhance operations.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and evaluate bids for services and equipment.
- Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) policies.
- Support food safety, quality, and GMP standards through all engineering and maintenance efforts.
- Own department budgeting, resource allocation, and cost control.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) or equivalent technical training/experience.
- 8+ years of engineering and maintenance experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- 1+ year of experience in a management or supervisory capacity.
- Experience with capital project execution, budget management, and PLC systems.
- Familiarity with environmental compliance and plant safety standards.
Preferred Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership with ability to develop and empower cross-functional teams.
- Expertise in CMMS, work order systems, and spare parts management.
- Knowledge of architectural, mechanical, and process production systems.
- Experience applying Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Clear, effective communication skills-both verbal and written.
- Resilient in fast-paced, changing environments with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Meet Your RecruiterAn-Denise CarterAs one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.
