Engineering Manager

AAK; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 186,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Health insurance

HSA contribution

401(k) match

Life and Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Discounts

On-site events

Job summary

AAK Newark is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead site CAPEX projects, ensure reliable utilities, and drive automation initiatives. You will guide a cross-functional team across Automation, CAPEX, Utilities, and Facilities, delivering safe, compliant, and sustainable operations.

The role requires a Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical engineering background, with 10+ years in manufacturing and 3–5 years in leadership, plus familiarity with GMP/OSHA/ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Master’s is an advantage.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or regulated environments.
• 3–5+ years in leadership or supervisory roles.
• Experience managing CAPEX projects with budgeting, planning, and execution.
• Strong knowledge of utilities, automation, and asset reliability programs.
• Familiarity with GMP, OSHA, ISO, EHS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CAPEX program delivery, from concept to handover.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of site utilities for availability and compliance.
• Develop and implement automation systems across the site.
• Maintain facilities to safety, compliance, and operational standards.
• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team across functions.
• Drive safety, continuous improvement, and engineering excellence.
• Ensure adherence to internal standards and regulatory codes.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain.
• Monitor KPIs and manage engineering risks and mitigation actions.
• Support sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

CAPEX management

Cross-functional

Utilities systems

Automation

CMMS

SCADA

PLC/DCS

Regulatory compliance

PMP

CMRP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

Project management software

Job description

Making Better Happen

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet.

Making Better Happen

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet.

From our success in Scandinavia, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4000 people all across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it's not just food - we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Every one of us works towards our shared purpose: Making Better Happen™.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen together.

Join nearly 4,000 like-minded colleagues globally and build a better future with us.

Build a better future as a Engineering Manager in Newark, NJ

Compensation Range: $186,000 - $210,000

Possible Bonus: 10%

AAK Newark

About The Role

The Site Engineer leads the planning and execution of site Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) projects while ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and reliability of all utilities, facilities, automation systems, and engineering standards. Managing a cross-functional team including Automation, CAPEX, Utilities, and Facilities leads, the Site Engineer drives the site's engineering strategy to deliver safe, compliant, and sustainable operations that support long-term business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of the site's CAPEX program, from concept development through to execution and handover, ensuring alignment with business priorities, budget, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of all site utility systems to ensure continuous availability, efficiency, and compliance.
• Direct the development and implementation of automation systems and controls across the site, ensuring reliability, scalability, and alignment with digital transformation goals.
• Ensure facilities are maintained to appropriate standards, supporting safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team including Automation, CAPEX, Utilities, and Facilities leads.
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence, safety, and continuous improvement through effective leadership and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with all internal standards, local regulations, and industry codes related to engineering, safety, environment, and quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain teams to support seamless site operations.
• Monitor and report on key engineering KPIs, recommending and implementing corrective actions where needed.
• Identify and manage engineering risks, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Drive sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives in line with corporate environmental goals

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline); Master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or regulated environment, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing CAPEX projects, including budgeting, planning, and execution.
• Strong technical expertise in utilities systems, facility maintenance, automation technologies, and asset reliability programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and manage complex, multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Solid understanding of engineering standards, regulatory compliance (e.g., GMP, OSHA, ISO), and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements.
• Proficient in engineering tools and platforms such as CMMS, SCADA, PLC/DCS systems, and project management software.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP), Reliability (e.g., CMRP), or Automation Systems is a plus.

Working Conditions

The job is performed in both a standard office and manufacturing plant environment. Exposure to loud noises, dust dirt, heat, sparks, oil and smoke may occur. Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel toed shoes, appropriate clothing and a hard hat) is required in manufacturing plants. Physical activities include extended periods of sitting and standing.

In return AAK offer

• Career paths, training and development, e‑learning and tuition reimbursement programs offer potential for you to progress your future career
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500
• We match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3%
• Free Life and Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more
• Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities
• Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value‑adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co‑Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant‑based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.