Fabrication Engineering Manager – Food Plant

Job Title: Fabrication Engineering Manager – Food Plant

Job Summary:

The Fabrication Engineering Manager leads and manages the engineering team responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of fabricated equipment and systems within a food manufacturing plant. This role ensures that fabrication processes meet sanitary design requirements, production efficiency goals, and regulatory standards while supporting plant operations through technical expertise and project leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership & Management

• Lead the fabrication engineering team, including mechanical engineers, designers, and technicians focused on process equipment fabrication.

• Develop and implement engineering strategies that optimize fabrication processes, ensure product quality, and support manufacturing objectives.

• Oversee resource planning, training, and performance management of the fabrication engineering staff.

Design & Process Optimization

• Manage the design and development of stainless steel process equipment, piping, and assemblies compliant with 3-A Sanitary Standards and food safety regulations.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance fabrication methods, reduce costs, and improve product reliability.

• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to troubleshoot fabrication issues and implement corrective actions.

Project & Budget Management

• Lead fabrication engineering projects including equipment upgrades, new installations, and process improvements from concept to completion.

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and technical documentation.

• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure project success.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all fabrication designs and processes comply with FDA, USDA, and food safety requirements.

• Support internal and external audits related to fabrication and process equipment.

• Maintain engineering documentation and fabrication records for traceability and quality control.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards in all engineering and fabrication activities.

• Lead efforts to implement Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles within fabrication processes.

Key Focus Areas:

• Fabrication engineering leadership and team development

• Sanitary equipment design and process optimization

• Project management and cross-functional collaboration

• Regulatory compliance and quality control

• Safety, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering required

• Master’s degree or relevant certifications preferred

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related project management certifications preferred

Experience:

• 10+ years in fabrication or process equipment engineering within the food & beverage or related sanitary industries

• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and fabrication projects

• Strong knowledge of sanitary design standards, welding processes, and food safety regulations

Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• Proficient in CAD software and fabrication engineering tools

• Strong problem-solving and project management abilities

• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies