Technology & Engineering Lead

FrieslandCampina; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

FrieslandCampina is seeking a Technology & Engineering Lead at our Darlington site to provide technical leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role involves overseeing engineering activities, driving process optimization, and ensuring high-quality operations.

You will lead capital projects, collaborate with various departments, and enhance plant performance while promoting a strong safety culture. A bachelor's degree in engineering and 7+ years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in dairy processing or complex food manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading capital projects from concept through execution.
• Deep understanding of GMPs, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Leading the full lifecycle of capital projects, from concept to implementation.
• Driving continuous improvement, reliability initiatives, and OEE enhancement.
• Maintaining engineering documentation and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Whey and cheese processing technologies

Continuous Improvement methodologies

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Technology & Engineering Lead Darlington Wisconsin (US) Engineering & Technology 40+

We are seeking a Technology & Engineering Lead to provide technical and engineering leadership at our Darlington manufacturing site. In this role, you will oversee all engineering activities, drive process optimization, and lead capital projects to ensure safe, reliable, and high‑quality operations. You will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Corporate Engineering to deliver continuous improvement, support innovation, and enhance overall plant performance.

What We Offer

• A key leadership role within a fast‑paced, technology‑driven manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to lead high‑impact capital projects and influence long‑term technical strategy
• A strong culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Professional growth through cross‑functional collaboration and exposure to global standards
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• A workplace that values respect, ownership, teamwork, and excellence

As Technology & Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for defining how technology, automation, and engineering design are used to improve production efficiency and competitiveness. You will ensure all whey and cheese processes are optimized, stable, and capable through strong engineering fundamentals and data‑driven decision‑making.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the full lifecycle of capital projects, from concept to implementation
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting expertise to Operations
• Driving continuous improvement, reliability initiatives, and OEE enhancement
• Maintaining engineering documentation and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring adherence to GMP and corporate policies
• Leading, developing, and performance‑managing the site engineering team
• Collaborating cross‑functionally to resolve recurring issues and implement sustainable solutions

What We Ask

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 7+ years of experience in dairy processing or complex food manufacturing
• Strong expertise in whey and cheese processing technologies
• Proven experience leading capital projects from concept through execution
• Solid background in Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Deep understanding of GMPs, food safety, and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, USDA)
• Proven people leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and inspire teams
• A proactive, collaborative mindset and strong problem‑solving skills