VP of Engineering and Maintenance

Steuben Foods•Elma, NY

13h

About The Position

The VP of Engineering & Maintenance is responsible for leading the strategic direction, planning, and execution of all engineering and maintenance functions. The VP will oversee capital projects, engineering design, preventative maintenance programs, and regulatory compliance, while aligning departmental objectives with business goals. This position plays a critical role in driving efficiency, minimizing downtime, and supporting long-term growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering and maintenance
Strong background in manufacturing environments, preferably in food, beverage, or dairy processing
Proven experience with CMMS/EAM systems
Strong leadership and team development skills
Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Financial and budget management experience
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Deep understanding of engineering principles and maintenance strategies
Ability to drive change and implement process improvements

Nice To Haves

Experience with liquid foods processing systems, including aseptic and/or ESL processing (preferred)

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall engineering and maintenance strategy aligned with company objectives
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and maintenance teams
Partner with operations, quality, research and development, supply chain, accounting, and HR to drive cross-functional alignment
Establish KPIs to measure performance, efficiency, and equipment reliability
Develop and manage budgets for engineering and maintenance. Monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities
Oversee design, development, and implementation of engineering projects
Ensure all systems, equipment, and processes meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, and innovation
Manage vendor selection, contractor performance, and project timelines
Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs
Oversee CMMS/EAM systems to ensure accurate tracking of maintenance activities
Drive initiatives to reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability
Ensure troubleshooting and resolution of equipment and system issues
Ensure compliance with all OSHA, FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements
Maintain adherence to GMPs, food safety, and quality standards
Promote a strong safety culture within engineering and maintenance teams