Assistant Director of Engineering

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Assistant Director of Engineering to join our team at a fast-paced dairy food manufacturing plant. In this role, you will support the Director of Engineering in overseeing the plant’s engineering operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective functioning of all mechanical, electrical, and facility systems. This position requires leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to driving continuous improvements in plant operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Engineering Support & Leadership:
• Assist in the strategic planning and execution of engineering projects and capital projects within the plants.
• Lead and mentor the engineering team, providing technical support, training, and development to engineering staff.
• Collaborate with the Director of Engineering in managing plant engineering activities, including preventive maintenance, capital improvement projects, and troubleshooting.
2. Maintenance and Reliability:
• Supervise the plant’s preventive maintenance program to ensure machinery and equipment operate at optimal levels.
• Assist in the identification and elimination of production inefficiencies, machine downtime, and safety hazards.
• Manage and prioritize engineering work orders, ensuring timely completion of maintenance tasks and adherence to industry standards.
3. Project Management:
• Coordinate and oversee engineering projects, including equipment installation, upgrades, and modifications to support plant goals.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess project needs and integrate engineering solutions that improve production capacity and quality.
4. Safety & Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA and food safety standards.
• Promote a culture of safety by enforcing best practices and ensuring all engineering team members are trained on safety protocols.
• Assist in the preparation for safety audits and inspections.
5. Budgeting & Cost Control:
• Assist in the development and management of the engineering department’s budget.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs without compromising quality or safety standards.
• Evaluate and recommend the purchase of new equipment or technologies to improve plant operations.
6. Collaboration & Communication:
• Work closely with the operations, quality, and production teams to resolve engineering-related issues.
• Participate in weekly plant operations meetings to provide engineering updates and discuss ongoing projects.
• Communicate effectively with vendors and contractors to ensure quality standards and deadlines are met.
7. Continuous Improvement:
• Assist in the identification and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, etc.) to enhance plant efficiency.
• Stay current with the latest industry trends and technological advances in manufacturing and engineering.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical or related field). Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in an engineering role within a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably in the food or dairy industry.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing maintenance programs, engineering projects, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, plant operations, and food safety regulations.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with a focus on minimizing downtime and production delays.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and maintenance planning.
• Working knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes and related equipment is preferred.
• Certifications (Preferred but not required):
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, and food production chemicals.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and stand or walk for extended periods.

Pay:  $136,000 - $176,000 a year*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications.  The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.