Senior Plant Engineering Lead — Dairy Manufacturing

Leprino Foods; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Sick time

Tuition assistance

401(k)

Job summary

Leprino Foods in Lubbock, TX seeks a Plant Engineering Manager II to lead Engineering and Maintenance teams for safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. You will plan capital projects, manage budgets, coordinate with Production, and drive safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 12+ years in food manufacturing with 5+ years in progressive people leadership, and SAP familiarity. Bachelor's degree in engineering is essential; Master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in food manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of progressive people leadership experience.
• Proficiency with standard computer tools and ability to learn SAP or similar manufacturing systems efficiently.

Responsibilities

• 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!

Skills

People leadership

SAP familiarity

Computer tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/related engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Leprino Foods in Lubbock, TX seeks a Plant Engineering Manager II to lead Engineering and Maintenance teams for safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. You will plan capital projects, manage budgets, coordinate with Production, and drive safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 12+ years in food manufacturing with 5+ years in progressive people leadership, and SAP familiarity. Bachelor's degree in engineering is essential; Master’s preferred.