Chief Engineer

**Chief Engineer

Piscataway, NJ area

Salary Range $120,000 - 130,000

Direct Hire** Large food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance department for a food manufacturing facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for equipment reliability, preventive and predictive maintenance, team development, plant safety, and food safety compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food manufacturing maintenance, excellent electrical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to lead, develop, and hold a maintenance team accountable. Experience in the baking industry is preferred.

Responsibilities Include

• Lead and manage all plant maintenance operations, including equipment, building and grounds, parts inventory, purchasing, contractors, and maintenance budgets.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs, work orders, emergency repairs, and follow-up inspections.
• Partner with Production and Sanitation to coordinate maintenance activities and maximize scheduled shutdown efficiency.
• Plan and schedule maintenance work to minimize production downtime.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop maintenance mechanics while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems on automated production equipment.
• Utilize PLC and HMI diagnostics to identify and resolve equipment issues, preferably with Allen-Bradley systems.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with food safety, GMP, and plant safety requirements.
• Manage maintenance safety programs, employee training, and compliance inspections.
• Participate in plant operations, shift, safety, and food safety meetings.
• Collaborate with corporate engineering on capital projects, including planning, scheduling, installation, and startup.
• Provide hands-on support for equipment breakdowns and production floor calls as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Maintenance Mechanic.
• Food manufacturing experience required; baking industry experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and a solid understanding of automated production equipment.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-based control systems; Allen-Bradley experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team-building skills.
• Experience with maintenance management systems (CMMS), parts inventory, budgeting, spreadsheets, and email. Self-motivated, eager to learn, and committed to developing both technical skills and team capabilities.