Chief Engineer

United States Cold Storage, Inc. • Lebanon, IN

10d

About The Position

The Chief Engineer manages the safe and efficient operation of facility refrigeration systems, automation and material handling equipment, and warehouse control systems, while promoting a culture of safety. This role directs maintenance and automation work, allocates labor, oversees contractors and projects, manages the maintenance team, and serves as an escalation point for department matters. The Chief Engineer also oversees facility grounds and seasonal preparation, supports regulatory compliance and record keeping, manages capital and department budgets, and works with vendors and internal teams to maintain budget integrity and project financial success. The position reports to the General Manager and Area/Regional Engineer, is based in the Engineering department, and requires 0–20% travel.

The role requires responding to possible and actual emergencies while on call and participating on the emergency response team. The Chief Engineer maintains the facility’s Process Safety Management plan and Risk Management Program, ensures regulatory training is completed and documented, and stays current with applicable regulations and USCS policies. The position may include performing maintenance and automation technician duties, assisting other locations, and additional work hours as requested by management.

The position requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Essential duties involve regular bending and lifting up to 50 pounds, occasional assisted lifting up to 70 pounds, overhead lifting, and working in temperatures from +50°F to -30°F with moderate noise. The role also requires extended standing and walking, using hands to handle tools and controls, communicating frequently, and operating warehouse equipment such as scanners, tablets, radios, phones, and computers. A registered motor vehicle may be operated if required by daily tasks. The employee must be able to work independently and with others, follow instructions and policies, manage stress in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrate attention to detail and strong arithmetic and reading skills.

Full-time employees not under contract are offered 401(k) and educational assistance after one year, Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage available after 30 days of service if elected, company life insurance, and additional benefits and perks. The job description notes that duties may vary by operating area and that reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Ability to bend and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally with assistance and lift overhead when required.
• Ability to work in temperatures from +50°F to -30°F with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• Effective communication, vision, and hearing for safety and productivity.
• Ability to operate scanners, tablets, radios, phones, computers, and other essential warehouse equipment as required.
• Ability to operate a registered motor vehicle if it is part of daily tasks.
• Strong arithmetic and reading skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow verbal instructions, written instructions, and company policies.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with others in a fast-paced environment, manage stress, and meet productivity guidelines.
• Professional demeanor in appearance and communications.
• Ability to be on call for possible and actual emergencies and participate on the emergency response team.
• Additional work hours may be requested by management to support employee production, projects, or special events.

Responsibilities

• Manage safe and efficient operation of facility refrigeration systems, automation equipment, material handling equipment, and warehouse control systems.
• Prioritize, supervise, and direct maintenance and automation tasks and allocate labor as needed.
• Maintain professional, collaborative working relationships with facility management, team members, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Determine whether overtime is necessary and seek management approval as needed.
• Supervise contractors to ensure work is performed safely and according to project outlines, and approve invoices.
• Direct work orders and assign maintenance and service work.
• Manage and develop the maintenance team, including its leadership, through coaching, feedback, and training to improve labor efficiency.
• Supervise and respond to department incidents, injuries, and near-misses, and assist with follow-up investigations.
• Approve timecards, assist with scheduling, and manage time-off requests.
• Conduct team member performance reviews and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Serve as an escalation point and resolve issues as needed.
• Perform maintenance and automation technician duties when business demands require.
• Oversee exterior grounds, prepare the facility for seasonal transitions, and maintain a clean, professional building appearance.
• Work closely with the Regional and/or Area Engineer.
• Lead and direct projects and initiatives.
• Ensure regulatory training is completed and documented.
• Remain on call for possible and actual emergencies and participate on the emergency response team.
• Oversee maintenance of the facility’s Process Safety Management plan and Risk Management Program.
• Participate in required facility meetings and committees.
• Assist other locations as directed.
• Maintain department records in accordance with USCS policies.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to negotiate contracts that maintain budget integrity and support project financial success.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local regulations and USCS policies, and ensure facility compliance.
• Create and maintain capital and department budgets.
• Assist with development of light, heat, water, and power budgets as directed.
• Participate in staff and/or customer meetings as required.
• Take initiative to prevent non-conformities related to product, process, and quality systems; identify and report issues; propose and implement solutions through appropriate channels; and ensure solutions are effective.
• Follow posted security procedures and participate in safety and educational training programs.

Benefits

• 401(k) after one year for eligible full-time employees not under contract.
• Educational assistance after one year for eligible full-time employees not under contract.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage available after 30 days of service, if elected, for eligible full-time employees not under contract.
• Company life insurance.
• Additional benefits and perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED