Lead Plant Engineer

Job Location/Shift:

6am - 2:30pm

Job Salary:

Up to $165k

DOERequirements:

5+ years of engineering experience in a high speed packaging facility focused on maintenance and automationOur facility is Commerce today and moving to La Mirada in JulyWho We AreWe are a premier, mission-driven food manufacturing organization dedicated to nourishing communities across California. We operate with a "business for good" mindset, focusing on social responsibility and high-quality nutrition rather than just the bottom line. We are a stable, high-growth leader in the fresh-prepared meal space, currently producing over 35 million nutritious meals annually for schools and community programs.

We've grown fast, and now we need a technical leader to help us level up our infrastructure. We are moving into a new facility this summer and are looking for a motivated Engineering Lead to implement the systems and reliability standards needed to keep us moving forward. You'll have the autonomy to manage cutting-edge technology-including new robotics integrations, AI-integrated automation and vision systems-with the full support of leadership to execute your vision. For a leader who can drive uptime and build a world-class preventative maintenance program, this role offers a path to very quick advancement. At our company, your ideas matter, your hard work pays off, and your growth is our priority.

What You Will DoLead the

Technical Frontline:

Direct daily maintenance operations, overseeing a team of technicians to ensure 24/7 reliability for high-speed production lines.

Drive Reliability & Automation:

Act as the lead for facility automation and robotics (Chef Robotics), troubleshooting complex PLC systems and electro-mechanical equipment to maximize OEE.

Implement Systems:

Own the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to transition the facility from reactive repairs to a data-driven Preventative Maintenance (PM) culture.

Ensure Safety & Compliance:

Enforce strict LOTO, OSHA, and SQF standards to maintain a safe working environment and ensure all equipment meets

USDA/FDA

sanitary design requirements.

Optimize & Scale:

Manage MRO inventory and vendor relationships while leading technical projects for our upcoming transition to a new facility in La Mirada.

What You Need for

This JobExperience:

5+ years of engineering in high-volume food manufacturing (ideally in a high-speed packaging environment).

Technical Depth:

Expert-level knowledge of PLC troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley), pneumatics, hydraulics, and automated systems

Leadership:

A hands-on mentor who prefers being on the floor coaching technicians and solving "root-cause" issues alongside the team.

Communication:

Bilingual in English and Spanish is required to effectively lead and coordinate with our diverse staff.

Education:

A college degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or a related technical field is required.

BenefitsVacation/PTOMedical, Dental, Vision401k with employer matchBonusRelocation