Director of Engineering

Seeking a forward-thinking Director of Engineering to lead manufacturing engineering excellence at the cutting edge of plant-based food and beverage production. Overseeing, maintenance and engineering groups, this role is responsible for ensuring world-class performance across our production processes - driving both operational reliability and efficiency. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic leader with deep experience in food processing who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment.Operational & Process ExcellenceEnsure that all manufacturing processes consistently deliver the highest product quality and operate at peak efficiencyPartner with the Sr. Production Manager to support and enable complex food production operations — including ingredient handling, reconstitution/mixing, liquid thermal heat processing, and in-process quality controls, engineering systems, clean-in-place systems, etc.Lead the design, optimization, and enhancement of these manufacturing systems and processes to ensure they meet performance, quality, and safety standardsDevelop and update engineering documentation and SOPs to reflect best practices and ensure processes are scalable and repeatableCapital & Strategic PlanningDevelop annual capital investment upgrade strategies aligned with risk, capacity, innovation, and other needs as may be determinedBuild and manage 3-5 year capital plan based on risks and business needsEnsure capital projects are executed flawlesslyTroubleshooting & Issue ResolutionProvide hands-on leadership in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving process-related issues - with an emphasis on Safety, Quality, and complianceDevelop your department leadership to provide the same hands-on support for their frontline contributorsAct as a first responder to critical plant incidents affecting product integrity or production continuityProactively communicating the issues and resolution to those issuesData-Driven Continuous improvementImplement process capability enhancements through data logging, analytics, and trend analysisProactively drive improvements through performance monitoring and root cause analysisUtilities OversightDefine, assess, and manage plant utility requirements, support preventative maintenance procedures and resolve utility-related issuesEnsure compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements for our utilities, building codes, wastewater, drinking water, air quality, etc. Engineering Project LeadershipLead the design and execution of any new manufacturing or utility installations - from definition through successful implementationLead cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex projects on time, on budget, and satisfy technical requirements of the businessCollaborate with product development to embed quality assurance and operational efficiency into product design, qualification and commercializationOther duties may also be assignedMinimum10 - 15 years of hands-on experience in food processing and manufacturing, ideally with hands-on working knowledge of aseptic beverage manufacturing and thermal processingBachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or other engineering discipline (Food Technology preferred) Strong knowledge of CIP/sanitary design and food equipment standardsExperience managing Ammonia Chiller SystemsWorking knowledge and experience reading/understanding PLC computer controlsDemonstrated passion for “world class” food manufacturing and innovation in process designimagination for creating and implementing new, unique and exciting food related processes Strong and decisive leadership, especially in managing troubleshooting teams, tackling multiple fast-moving projectsProven ability to lead cross-functional engineering and troubleshooting teamsProven ability to manage engineering budgets and timelines effectivelyPreferredExperience with beverage sterilization equipmentExperience with microbiological analysis and testing methodsExtensive knowledge of and experience with PLC computer controlsThe expected salary range for this position is between $180,000 - $190,000 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to enroll in Califia’s employee benefits program. You may also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program which may be subject to change.The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

Created: 2026-03-07