Engineering Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Health insurance

401(k) match

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

AAK Newark is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead CAPEX projects and sustain reliable site operations at our Newark, NJ facility. You will direct cross-functional teams across Automation, Utilities, and Facilities to deliver capital programs on time and within budget.

The role requires a strong background in utilities, automation, and asset reliability, plus extensive experience in GMP/OSHA-compliant manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related). Master’s degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or regulated environments, with 3–5 years in leadership.
• Proven CAPEX project management experience including budgeting, planning, and execution.
• Strong technical expertise in utilities systems, facility maintenance, automation technologies, and asset reliability programs.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and manage complex initiatives.
• Solid understanding of engineering standards, regulatory compliance (GMP, OSHA, ISO), and EHS requirements.
• Proficient in CMMS, SCADA, PLC/DCS, and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CAPEX program delivery from concept to handover.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of site utility systems for availability and efficiency.
• Direct development and implementation of automation systems and controls.
• Ensure facilities meet safety, compliance, and operational standards.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering team including Automation, CAPEX, Utilities, Facilities.
• Foster engineering excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain for seamless operations.
• Monitor and report key engineering KPIs and implement corrective actions.

Skills

CAPEX management

Cross-functional leadership

Asset reliability

SCADA systems

PLC/DCS

Project management

Engineering standards

GMP/OSHA/EHS knowledge

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

PLC/DCS

Project management software

Job description

Making Better Happen
Our story goes back more than 150 years, tothe windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet.

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

We work with our customers to make theproducts you love even better. The oils we produce go into making yourchocolate extra creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it'snot just food - we work across industries to make products that are higherquality, healthier, and better for the planet.

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

Everything we do is about Making BetterHappen together.
Join nearly 4,000 like-minded colleagues globally and build abetter future with us.

Build a better future as a Engineering Manager in Newark, NJ
Compensation Range: $186,000 - $210,000
Possible Bonus: 10%

AAKNewark

About the role

The Site Engineer leads the planning and executionof site Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) projects while ensuring the efficientoperation, maintenance, and reliability of all utilities, facilities,automation systems, and engineering standards. Managing a cross-functional teamincluding Automation, CAPEX, Utilities, and Facilities leads, the Site Engineerdrives the site's engineering strategy to deliver safe, compliant, andsustainable 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 sustainabilityand 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 plantenvironment. Exposure to loud noises, dust dirt, heat, sparks, oil and smokemay 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 toprogress your future career
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical,dental and vision) starting date of hire
• Health Savings Account with AAK annualcontribution of $1,000-$1,500
• Wematch 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of thenext 3%
• Free Life and Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, IdentityTheft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks,concerts, movies, and more
• Celebrations, events, and activities onsite and supporting our communities
• Recognition incentives for service andpeer to peer recognition

About AAK

Everything AAK does is aboutMaking 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. Our4,000employees 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.

AAKprohibits 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 orfederal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of studentsin its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.