Engineering Manager II

Leprino Foods Company; Lemoore (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation and paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Leprino Foods Company in Lemoore, CA is seeking an Engineering Manager II to oversee our Engineering and Maintenance organization in a leading cheese manufacturing facility. This role includes managing capital projects, ensuring maintenance operations run smoothly, and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field with extensive experience in food manufacturing. We offer competitive salaries, an annual bonus, and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in food manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Proficient with computer tools and able to learn SAP quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering and Maintenance teams for efficient operations.
• Oversee capital projects and prepare annual engineering budgets.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain strong interdepartmental relations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mechanical Engineering

Food manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SAP

Job description

Engineering Manager II

Lemoore (West), CA USA

Requisition ID: 31919

Job Function: Engineering

Description: Within our 1000‑person manufacturing facility in Lemoore – Leprino is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager II to lead our Engineering and Maintenance organization. This role oversees capital projects, equipment reliability, utilities, maintenance operations, and engineering support that keep one of the world's largest cheese manufacturing facilities running safely and efficiently. We believe great manufacturing starts with great people, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Join a team that invests in its facilities, embraces innovation, and takes pride in producing products enjoyed around the world.

Starting compensation typically ranges between $162,000 and $189,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 15%.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and guide the Engineering and Maintenance teams to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• Plan, write, and oversee capital projects, ranging from facility construction to equipment upgrades and energy improvements.
• Prepare the annual engineering budget and shape multi-year capital programs aligned with plant needs.
• Coordinate closely with Production to adjust maintenance schedules and engineering support as demand shifts.
• Create clear project documentation, operating procedures, and training materials for new and upgraded systems.
• Lead safety efforts within Engineering and Maintenance by setting expectations, modeling safe behaviors, and reinforcing accountability.
• Ensure employees receive the tools, training, and equipment needed to perform work safely and accurately.
• Maintain strong working relationships across the plant, encouraging collaboration, transparency, and shared progress.
• Monitor capital spending, report status updates to plant leadership, and track improvements against approved plans.
• Interface with local, state, and federal agencies to secure permits and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Support food safety and sanitation efforts by strengthening department processes and daily practices.
• Mentor supervisors and managers, supporting development, engagement, and long‑term growth within the team.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 12 or more years of experience in food manufacturing environments.
• 5 or more years of progressive people‑leadership experience.
• Proficiency with standard computer tools and the ability to learn SAP or similar manufacturing systems efficiently.
• Prior people‑leadership experience directly guiding plant Maintenance teams within a manufacturing environment.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in dairy or cheese manufacturing operations.
• Direct leadership experience guiding supervisors across maintenance, engineering, or technical teams.
• Background working with advanced process controls, power generation, ammonia refrigeration, and sanitation systems within food manufacturing.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high‑quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit‑Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90‑day hair follicle drug test as part of the employee pre‑employment process and also participates in E‑Verify. All employees in our manufacturing facilities are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated by their role and location.