Senior Plant Engineering Manager – Dairy Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Health/dental/vision coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Leprino Foods Company in Lemoore, CA is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager II to lead our Engineering and Maintenance organization at one of the world’s largest cheese facilities. You will oversee capital projects, equipment reliability, utilities, and safety-aligned engineering support to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

The role offers a strong compensation package with a starting range of $162,000–$189,000 annually and a 15% target bonus, plus comprehensive benefits and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 12+ years of experience in food manufacturing.
• 5+ years of progressive people leadership experience.
• Proficiency with standard computer tools and SAP or similar systems.
• Experience leading plant Maintenance teams in a manufacturing environment.

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

Engineering leadership

Project management

Budgeting

SAP familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Maintenance tools

Job description

Leprino Foods Company in Lemoore, CA is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager II to lead our Engineering and Maintenance organization at one of the world’s largest cheese facilities. You will oversee capital projects, equipment reliability, utilities, and safety-aligned engineering support to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

The role offers a strong compensation package with a starting range of $162,000–$189,000 annually and a 15% target bonus, plus comprehensive benefits and