Job Summary Do you thrive on leading complex engineering projects and fostering team excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment? Then pay attention! As a recruiting partner of Ajinomoto Cambrooke, we are looking for you as Manager of Engineering & Maintenance, full-time, for the location in Ayer, MA. In your position, you will be instrumental in managing significant capital expenditure investments, driving continuous improvement initiatives within the maintenance department, and developing strategic plans for plant expansion. You will lead a high-performing team, ensuring alignment with Ajinomoto's goals and fostering a culture of excellence and safety. Look forward to a challenging role where your expertise in project management and industrial processes will directly impact Ajinomoto's operational efficiency and growth. In addition, you will receive the opportunity to lead and mentor a dedicated team, contributing to their professional development and the overall success of the plant. Have we sparked your interest? Then schedule an initial interview with us now!
What You Will Be Doing Departmental Leadership & Team Development:
Leads the Plant Engineering, Maintenance, and Automation teams by setting goals, managing department and MTP budgets, and building a high-productivity workforce through hiring, training, performance evaluations, mentoring, and maintaining a positive work environment.
CAPEX & Engineering Project Management:
Manages the design, development, execution, and closeout of CAPEX investments and engineering projects to meet time, cost, and expansion goals—including vendor bid selection, resource coordination, line installations, start-ups, machine testing, and decommissioning.
Maintenance Operations & Technical Standards:
Oversees maintenance best practices, preventative and predictive maintenance schedules, and work order management; collaborates with vendors to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), equipment parameters, and new design/equipment specifications.
Troubleshooting, Quality & Compliance:
Drives prompt root cause analysis, CAPA investigations, and technical troubleshooting while ensuring strict adherence to state, federal, and company guidelines, as well as maintaining ISO 9001, 14001, 45000, and
FSSC 22000
documentation standards.
EHS, Safety & Continuous Improvement:
Enforces safety practices for team members and contractors, provides immediate corrective actions for unsafe conditions, and supports stable plant operations while fostering continuous improvement to protect employees, plant assets, and the environment. What You Bring To The Job Do you have a concluded Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or a related field of study. Do you bring 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or construction environment, ideally in an aseptic and/or powder manufacturing environment and with mechanical and electrical systems in a multitude of applications. Do you additionally have 5+ years supervisory or team lead experience in maintenance. You bring expertise in project planning, resource planning, budget management, milestone generation, risk management, FAT, project assessment and validation, and achieving deadlines. You have advanced mechanical and electrical skills. You already have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and familiarity with standard operating procedures (SOPs). You have the ability to transfer technical knowledge to practical applications and to lead and manage team members maintaining a high level of morale and discipline. You bring technical expertise in industrial processes, including unit operations, controls, facility infrastructure, equipment reliability, maintenance practices, safety, quality, environmental and utility equipment. You have the ability to lead and manage all aspects of projects, including creation, design, proposal, execution, and review. You execute a high degree of scientific and technical proficiency, have the ability to record, report and analyze reliable data, and to work a flexible schedule, be on-call and travel (up to 5%) as necessary. Must have a "can do" attitude. Nice-to-Haves PLC knowledge Experience validating aseptic and/or powder manufacturing equipment and processes Experience in an aseptic and/or powder manufacturing environment Team At Ajinomoto, fostering a positive work environment and developing a high-performing team are central to success. You will contribute to aligning the team with plant goals, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring comprehensive training and mentorship for employees. Collaboration is key, working closely with maintenance and equipment suppliers to define requirements for new designs and processes, and contributing to the development of a high productivity workforce through hiring, training, and performance evaluation. Benefits Contribution to health insurance Wellness and mental health benefits Employee stock option plan Employee life insurance Discounts to selected external services (dry cleaning, technology, etc.) Remote work possible Work From Home (WFH) possible Expense reimbursement (milage, rentals, etc.) Laptop, Tablet, Company Cell Phone 3 Weeks Paid Time Off Short and Long Term Disability coverage Fitness reimbursement Profit sharing opportunities Medical, dental, vision and life Insurance FSA Lyra Wellthy 401K Long Term & Short-Term Disability Tuition Reimbursement Paid Holidays PTO (Paid time off) Annual Wellness reimbursement fitness (Gym Membership/Sports Equip) About Ajinomoto Cambrooke Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc. formerly Cambrooke Therapeutics, Inc. (expansion of Cambrooke Foods) was founded in 2000 by Lynn and David Paolella, the parents of two children diagnosed with a rare disease called phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is one of the few genetic diseases, which is managed almost entirely with nutritional intervention. The Paolellas' goal in forming Cambrooke was simple - to develop improved nutritional therapeutic options for those with serious medical disorders. Today, Cambrooke produces medical formulas and foods for the management of a variety of medical conditions and we are continually innovating new nutritional options targeted at a wide array of diseases.
