Director of Engineering

SUMMARY

The Director of Engineering will play a key leadership role in driving the success of Grillo’s strategic plan. They will be responsible for leading capital projects, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting the strategic growth of manufacturing operations across multiple facilities. This role will manage the full lifecycle of engineering projects, from concept development through commissioning and startup, while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food manufacturing environments, strong project management skills, and a passion for improving operational efficiency, reliability, and product quality. This position requires approximately 25-50% travel to support facility expansions, equipment installations, vendor management, and project execution.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, manage, and execute capital projects ranging from equipment upgrades to complete production line installations
• Lead all phases of projects including scope development, budgeting, engineering design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining schedules, budgets, and project objectives
• Coordinate internal resources and external contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve equipment reliability, and lower operating costs
• Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to optimize manufacturing processes
• Lead installation and startup of new processing, packaging, and material handling systems
• Develop equipment specifications and evaluate technology solutions to support business growth
• Oversee factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and commissioning activities
• Develop and manage the annual capital expenditure (CapEx) Budget
• Prepare capital requests, cost justifications, and return-on-investment analyses
• Track project expenditures and ensure effective utilization of capital resources

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Electrical Engineer, or related engineering discipline
• 7+ years of engineering and project management experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects exceeding $500,000
• Experience with production equipment installation, startup, and commissioning
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, utilities, process equipment, and packaging operations.
• Proficiency with project scheduling, budgeting, and contractor management.
• Proficient in the use of common software packages including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD for the preparation of presentations, layouts, and working documents.
• Strong computer, analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills are highly preferred
• Knowledge of USDA/FDA sanitary design principles, BRC/ AIB standards, OSHA, GMP's and related regulations desirable.
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, taste, or smell. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 - 25 pounds, and occasionally more than 50 pounds with assistance from co-workers and/or mechanic devices. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee will be handling items that may be very hot. The noise level is usually moderate. Must be available to work overtime, nights, weekends, and Holidays as needed.

Grillo’s is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.