Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Juanita’s Foods | Wilmington, CA | On-site

Juanita’s Foods has been delivering authentic Mexican food to families across the country since 1946. Based in Wilmington, CA, we are a trusted manufacturer of shelf-stable sauces, beans, canned foods, and ready-to-eat products rooted in heritage, quality, and flavor.

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead and coordinate the activities of our Engineering Department. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role is responsible for developing and managing capital and continuous improvement projects with a focus on quality, safety, performance, schedule, and budget.

The Engineering Manager will supervise a team of Engineers and Project Managers, assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and lead high-level engineering initiatives. This role also oversees OEM, vendor, and contractor management and works closely with Maintenance, Operations, Quality Assurance, Environmental, and plant leadership teams to support project execution, innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead engineering activities during proposal, design, construction, and commissioning stages.
• Provide daily and weekly updates to the Director of Engineering on projects and department activities.
• Drive the creation and execution of the annual Capital Plan.
• Collaborate with the Senior Management Team to develop capital priorities.
• Direct Project Managers and Engineers in preparing CERs for capital projects.
• Develop project cost data, including ROI, cost avoidance, and acquisition justifications.
• Evaluate capital equipment and related cost justifications.
• Assess the cost effectiveness and feasibility of manufacturing processes and implement recommendations to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Provide guidance and oversight for plant and site renovations, repairs, upgrades, and improvements.
• Coordinate plant modifications, additions, and repair projects, including work performed by outside contractors.
• Review project drawings, calculations, and specifications.
• Maintain and organize the plant drawing library.
• Establish priorities, schedule teams, and provide guidance and leadership to the Engineering team.
• Ensure accountability for the performance of direct and indirect Engineering reports.
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, career development discussions, performance reviews, promotion discussions, and retention efforts.
• Maintain and grow a positive team culture.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget.
• Periodically review RCA action lists and execute upgrades related to the Engineering group.
• Provide technical leadership across engineering disciplines and project planning activities.
• Maintain high levels of quality, responsiveness, and alignment with company expectations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Assist the Maintenance Manager in preparing the maintenance operating budget.
• Understand the operation of all equipment and machinery within the manufacturing plant.
• Continuously identify new technologies and methods to improve efficiency and quality.
• Communicate effectively with Maintenance, Production, QA, Environmental, and other cross-functional teams.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide engineering support to the Environmental Manager on environmental compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety laws, regulations, and guidelines, including OSHA requirements, food safety, sanitation, personal safety, and environmental standards.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety rules and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a food manufacturing plant.
• Prior experience as an Engineering Manager or Maintenance Manager in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical knowledge.
• Basic electrical controls knowledge.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with financial rules, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Experience with production equipment, especially food processing equipment, is a plus.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Spanish fluency is a plus.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role based at Juanita’s Foods’ physical location in Wilmington, CA. Most work will be performed in a manufacturing plant setting with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and chemicals. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

This position may require limited travel of up to 10%. The successful candidate must also be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, and unscheduled shifts when necessary based on business needs.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Juanita’s Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.