Engineering and Maintenance Manager

Job Description

Job DescriptionTitle: Engineering Manager
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Overview:Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.
Hire Type: Direct HireBenefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401kBonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual bonus potential Pay: $130-160k
Job Summary:

• A leading manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Engineering & Maintenance Manager to oversee plant engineering, maintenance, and facility operations. This role is responsible for ensuring optimal equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. The position partners closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to support operational efficiency, capital projects, and long-term facility strategy.
  The ideal candidate will drive initiatives focused on reliability-centered maintenance, preventative maintenance optimization, asset lifecycle management, and continuous improvement methodologies. This role plays a key leadership function in ensuring plant performance aligns with production, quality, safety, and regulatory objectives.

Job Duties:

• Lead and manage engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring optimal performance of plant equipment and facilities.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies to support current production demands and future capacity requirements.
• Establish and manage departmental budgets, monitoring maintenance expenditures and identifying opportunities to improve cost efficiency while maintaining operational reliability.
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for complex equipment and process issues.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reliability, and output.
• Utilize enterprise systems and data tools to evaluate performance trends, alarms, and historical equipment data to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversee asset management strategy including maintenance planning, lifecycle optimization, equipment upgrades, and replacement planning.
• Manage capital and expense projects to ensure delivery within defined scope, timeline, and budget.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to maintenance effectiveness, equipment reliability, and operational performance.
• Implement reliability-focused initiatives including preventative maintenance programs, work order optimization, and continuous improvement tools.
• Ensure engineering and maintenance activities align with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee spare parts inventory strategy, procurement processes, and inventory controls to ensure appropriate stock levels and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to review and approve equipment layouts, installations, and facility modifications to maximize operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development opportunities for maintenance and engineering team members.
• Promote strong communication across departments to ensure alignment on equipment performance, process changes, and operational priorities.
• Support change management processes to ensure modifications to equipment, processes, or products are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Participate in food safety and quality programs, including hazard analysis and risk mitigation initiatives where applicable.
• Maintain availability to support plant operations as needed, including off-shift support when required.
• Ensure adherence to all safety policies, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing best practices.
• Perform additional duties as required to support plant objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• 
  Experience
  • Minimum 6+ years of experience in engineering or maintenance leadership within a manufacturing environment.
  • Prior experience managing technical teams strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting high-speed manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Food, beverage, or regulated manufacturing industry experience is beneficial.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.