Plant Engineering Director; Remote DFW​/Houston TX

Plant Engineering Director (Remote) DFW/Houston TX

Join to apply for the Plant Engineering Director (Remote) DFW/Houston TX role at Dairy Farmers of America

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Dairy Brands is a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well‑known regional brands. We are proud to provide families with fresh, delicious dairy products.

By joining DFA, you help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well‑being of our neighbors and friends, and celebrate the diversity of our company and world.

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Dairy Brands has an opening for a Plant Engineering Director (Remote) position. Travel is 60‑70 %. The preferred candidate should reside in the DFW or Houston, TX area.

TRAVEL: 60‑70%

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an internal expert on manufacturing engineering and design issues or opportunities.
• Work cross‑functionally with plant management and engineers to develop priorities that align with manufacturing and division objectives.
• Strive to reduce facility and manufacturing operating costs by providing best‑option technical solutions and/or best‑method analyses.
• Utilize best practices across locations to drive continuous improvement for equipment reliability and maintenance cost controls; drive consistency and standardization.
• Assist in the direction and planning of capital budgets.
• Evaluate major capital projects to ensure the best approach and method is used to spend capital funds efficiently.
• Actively support plant management and engineers in project justification, accurate development of project costs, and submission of capital projects.
• Lead and/or oversee planning, design, procurement, installation, start‑up, and training for all capital projects, especially those spanning an entire division, group, or region.
• Complete preliminary and final design of production lines and new equipment.
• Develop preliminary cost estimates for production of new or modified products for marketing and sales teams.
• Professionally develop plant engineers and maintenance managers.
• Encourage positive cross‑functional communication between production and engineering teams.
• Maintain broad knowledge to provide accurate engineering support to management and plant staff.
• Ensure all plant environmental policies and procedures reflect current DFA guidelines and regulatory requirements; complete proper reporting.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work consistently with corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Other duties may be assigned as required.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits begin the month after start date.
• 401(k) with company contribution – 100 % vested at day one of eligibility.
• Competitive pay ($165,000 – $195,000).
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Service recognition and employee rewards.
• Employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Work for dairy farm families.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or related curriculum or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10 or more years of progressive engineering, maintenance, or related experience in a food manufacturing environment, including team or project leadership, environmental compliance, PLC programming, capital project and budget management.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and process production engineering.
• Able to lead multiple and complex projects or initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations.
• Ability to consider both strategic and practical implications of proposed actions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly.
• Ability to establish effective relationships and independently manage them with all levels of internal staff and external customers, partners, and vendors.
• Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
• Ability to lead others through change.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Reporting to this position
:
None

Equal Opportunity Employer Including Disabled/Veterans

Seniority level
:
Director

Employment type
:
Full‑time

Job function
:
Management and Manufacturing

Industries
:
Dairy Product Manufacturing

Salary: $165,000 – $195,000