Senior Engineering Manager

CareersInFood.com; Jefferson (GA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Employee referral program

Job summary

WTI, Inc. in Jefferson, GA seeks a Senior Engineering Manager to lead our engineering team across three manufacturing facilities. You will drive equipment performance, process automation, and overall manufacturing operations while mentoring engineers and delivering capital projects.

The ideal candidate has hands-on leadership experience with automated systems, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma, delivering improvements in safety, quality, uptime, and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years in a manufacturing setting with at least 5 in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with automated manufacturing systems and plant infrastructure.
• Strong project management skills and success delivering capital projects.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, root cause analysis and reliability maintenance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours in a 24/7 environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department across multiple functions (mechanical, electrical, controls, project Eng).
• Oversee capital improvement projects from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and reduce downtime.
• Partner with operations and maintenance to support three facilities.
• Lead automation, equipment upgrades and process improvements.
• Champion lean, Six Sigma and RC/M maintenance strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage engineering budgets and capex.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance performance.
• Mentor and develop engineering team members with accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Reliability maintenance

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Industrial/ Manufacturing Eng

Master's in Engineering or MBA (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP systems

SCADA

PLC knowledge

Job description

Salary: $125,000–$145,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Job Type: Full-Time | Salaried | Exempt

Work Location: On-site | Jefferson, GA

Reports To: VP of Operations

Join Our Team!

WTI, Inc. is a privately owned food ingredient manufacturing company dedicated to making food better. With three manufacturing facilities, automated equipment, and 24-hour production capabilities, we are committed to delivering high-quality food ingredients through innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead our engineering team and drive improvements in equipment performance, process automation, and manufacturing operations.

This position is ideal for a hands‑on engineering leader who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing teams, and leading projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, including mechanical, electrical, controls, and project engineering functions.
• Oversee capital improvement projects from concept and planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Drive initiatives to improve equipment reliability, increase uptime, and reduce production downtime.
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to support production across three manufacturing facilities.
• Lead automation, equipment upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement through lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with safety, quality, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Develop and manage engineering project budgets and capital expenditures.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment to improve manufacturing performance and operational efficiency.
• Mentor and develop engineering team members while promoting accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with automated manufacturing systems, production equipment, and plant infrastructure.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated success managing capital projects.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and reliability-centered maintenance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to urgent operational needs in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or an MBA.
• Experience in food manufacturing or a similar process manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in a privately held or family‑owned business.
• Knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with OSHA, ISO standards, and manufacturing regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and ERP systems.

Why Join WTI?

At WTI, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful engineering initiatives, influence operational performance, and help shape the future of our manufacturing capabilities.

We value individuals who take ownership, work collaboratively, and continuously look for better ways to operate.

WTI, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee referral program

Learn more about our company at www.wtiinc.com.

WTI, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.