Director of Engineering — Food Manufacturing & Automation

Lawler Foods; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings seeks a Director of Engineering to lead capital projects and manufacturing improvements across its food plants. Based in Aurora, CO, you will report to the VP of Engineering & Reliability and collaborate with Corporate and Site Management to standardize assets, drive technology adoption, and improve safety and quality.

Travel up to 75% across the US and Canada to oversee projects, manage budgets, write contracts, and mentor engineers while advancing Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; substantial applicable experience considered.
• 10–15 years of engineering leadership with project management and food manufacturing experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% (US and Canada).
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of GMP, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership for multiple facilities and project engineers.
• Manage and execute capital projects including expansions and capacity upgrades.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through process or equipment improvements and automation.
• Define technology and manufacturing capabilities to support new business and line extensions.
• Assist in developing 3–5 year capital plans and manage project budgets and schedules.
• Prepare studies, proposals, estimates, and capital justifications.
• Assist in new facility planning and construction; develop specifications and budgets.
• Administer bid documents and coordinate contracts with vendors, architects, and engineers.
• Maintain engineering records, drawings, reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agencies (OSHA, EPA, FDA) to ensure plant compliance.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Automation / robotics

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Gantt

Project planners

Job description

Dessert Holdings seeks a Director of Engineering to lead capital projects and manufacturing improvements across its food plants. Based in Aurora, CO, you will report to the VP of Engineering & Reliability and collaborate with Corporate and Site Management to standardize assets, drive technology adoption, and improve safety and quality.

Travel up to 75% across the US and Canada to oversee projects, manage budgets, write contracts, and mentor engineers while advancing Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.