Equipment Optimization & Cost Reduction Specialist

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.

The Equipment Optimization & Cost Reduction Specialist is responsible for minimizing external service costs by developing in-house expertise for Evergreen, Federal, Fogg, and other dairy filling and primary processing equipment. This role combines technical proficiency, hands-on troubleshooting, training, and vendor management to build sustainable in-house capabilities and local partnerships that reduce reliance on OEM service technicians and drive long-term maintenance efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Reduction & Vendor Dependence

• Identify, analyze, and target areas of high external service costs (Evergreen, Fogg, Federal, Modern, all packaging equipment, etc.).
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce reliance on OEM and third-party technicians.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local qualified machine shops for fabrication, machining, and rebuild work.
• Create and maintain a cost-savings tracker to quantify improvements and return on investment.

Training & Skill Development

• Conduct hands-on training for in-house maintenance teams on filler operation, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.
• Develop standard work procedures, manuals, and visual aids for critical machine components.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning within the maintenance organization.
• Drive predictive maintenance programs to ultimately improve OEE, reduce losses, improve management personnel knowledge on the floor, create teamwork environments.

Technical Expertise

• Perform advanced diagnostics, rebuilds, and retrofits on Evergreen, Fogg, Federal, and Modern related packaging and processing equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering to identify design improvements, parts standardization, and retrofit opportunities.
• Oversee spare parts inventory for primary equipment, ensuring proper documentation and usage tracking.

Process & Performance Optimization

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for chronic filler issues.
• Work with operations and quality teams to improve machine performance, efficiency, and uptime.
• Benchmark performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, OEE) and drive measurable improvement initiatives.
• Work with management teams to drive OEE performance, develop operator skillset and continually reduce manufacturing cost per unit monthly

Qualifications

Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering preferred; or equivalent technical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience maintaining and troubleshooting dairy or beverage fillers (Evergreen, Fogg, Federal, Modern preferred).
• Proven experience reducing maintenance costs and developing in-house maintenance capabilities.
• Hands-on machining, fabrication, and mechanical rebuild experience preferred.

Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for training and mentoring staff.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance, predictive technologies, and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles.
• Proficient with CMMS systems and technical documentation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in OEM technician usage and service costs
• Increase in in-house repair capabilities and trained personnel
• Improved filler uptime and reliability metrics
• Year-over-year maintenance cost reduction targets achieved
• Documented training completion and procedure implementation

Pay:

$95,000-$125,000 per 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.