Maintenance Engineer - Liquids

Heartland Food Products Group is a dynamic, fast-growing organization committed to making a positive impact in the world. We are passionate about building brands and foster a results-driven culture that provides opportunities to rapidly learn and develop your career. Heartland Food Products Group makes SPLENDA® Brand Sweeteners, as well as JAVA HOUSE® Cold Brew Coffee and other product lines. SPLENDA® is the #1 recommended sweetener brand among healthcare professionals and includes a broad portfolio — the iconic original SPLENDA® product line, SPLENDA® Diabetes Care Shakes, SPLENDA® Stevia, SPLENDA® Zero liquid, SPLENDA® Monk Fruit, and SPLENDA® Allulose.

Scope:

The Maintenance Engineer provides technical leadership for manufacturing and packaging processes that drive significant improvement in overall equipment effectiveness and operational excellence. Partners closely with Operations, Quality, and Engineering on introduction and integration of new equipment, products , and processes. Coordinate and lead activities of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality departments to successfully achieve goals timely and cost effectively.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all maintenance activities for aseptic processing equipment, packaging lines, utilities, and facility infrastructure.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and ensure product sterility.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of maintenance technicians and engineers.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, and other relevant food safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to support continuous improvement and root cause analysis.
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activities, calibrations, and validations in accordance with GMP standards.
• Support capital projects, equipment installations, and facility upgrades.
• Ensure all maintenance work is performed safely and in compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is required: Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in a production manufacturing facility with emphasis on OEE and Manufacturing process improvements, Process & Equipment Design, and Project management.
• Experience leading a team of maintenance technicians in a food & beverage plant environment.
• Experience using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
• Experience in a food grade environment (FDA, GMP’s, HACCP) with high speed packaging equipment preferred
• Excellent computer skills, extensive Process and Packaging equipment design and operation, automation and controls (PLC, DCS, etc.) knowledge.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of Process Excellence tools and Design for Six Sigma DFSS, (DMAIC, DOE, VSM, RCA, FMEA, etc.).

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds