Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer Piscataway, NJ area Salary Range $120,000 - 130,000 Direct Hire Large food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance department for a food manufacturing facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for equipment reliability, preventive and predictive maintenance, team development, plant safety, and food safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food manufacturing maintenance, excellent electrical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to lead, develop, and hold a maintenance team accountable. Experience in the baking industry is preferred. Responsibilities Include Lead and manage all plant maintenance operations, including equipment, building and grounds, parts inventory, purchasing, contractors, and maintenance budgets. Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs, work orders, emergency repairs, and follow-up inspections. Partner with Production and Sanitation to coordinate maintenance activities and maximize scheduled shutdown efficiency. Plan and schedule maintenance work to minimize production downtime. Recruit, train, coach, and develop maintenance mechanics while promoting accountability and continuous improvement. Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems on automated production equipment. Utilize PLC and HMI diagnostics to identify and resolve equipment issues, preferably with Allen-Bradley systems. Ensure maintenance activities comply with food safety, GMP, and plant safety requirements. Manage maintenance safety programs, employee training, and compliance inspections. Participate in plant operations, shift, safety, and food safety meetings. Collaborate with corporate engineering on capital projects, including planning, scheduling, installation, and startup. Provide hands-on support for equipment breakdowns and production floor calls as needed. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Maintenance Mechanic. Food manufacturing experience required; baking industry experience preferred. High school diploma or equivalent. Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and a solid understanding of automated production equipment. Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems. Experience troubleshooting PLC-based control systems; Allen-Bradley experience preferred. Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics. Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team-building skills. Experience with maintenance management systems (CMMS), parts inventory, budgeting, spreadsheets, and email. Self-motivated, eager to learn, and committed to developing both technical skills and team capabilities.