Within our brand new state-of-the-art 600-person manufacturing facility in
Lubbock – Leprino is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager II to move our
organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We
take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest
more, and continually innovate.
What You’ll Do:
* Build and guide the Engineering and Maintenance teams to support safe,
reliable, and efficient plant operations.
* Plan, write, and oversee capital projects, ranging from facility construction
to equipment upgrades and energy improvements.
* Prepare the annual engineering budget and shape multi-year capital programs
aligned with plant needs.
* Coordinate closely with Production to adjust maintenance schedules and
engineering support as demand shifts.
* Create clear project documentation, operating procedures, and training
materials for new and upgraded systems.
* Lead safety efforts within Engineering and Maintenance by setting
expectations, modeling safe behaviors, and reinforcing accountability.
* Ensure employees receive the tools, training, and equipment needed to perform
work safely and accurately.
* Maintain strong working relationships across the plant, encouraging
collaboration, transparency, and shared progress.
* Monitor capital spending, report status updates to plant leadership, and
track improvements against approved plans.
* Interface with local, state, and federal agencies to secure permits and
maintain regulatory compliance.
* Support food safety and sanitation efforts by strengthening department
processes and daily practices.
* Mentor supervisors and managers, supporting development, engagement, and
long-term growth within the team!
You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
* 12 or more years of experience in food manufacturing environments.
* 5 or more years of progressive people leadership experience.
* Proficiency with standard computer tools and the ability to learn SAP or
similar manufacturing systems efficiently.
* Prior people leadership experience directly guiding plant Maintenance teams
within a manufacturing environment.
We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
* Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
* Experience in dairy or cheese manufacturing operations.
* Direct leadership experience guiding supervisors across maintenance,
engineering, or technical teams.
* Background working with advanced process controls, power generation, ammonia
refrigeration, and sanitation systems within food manufacturing.
At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment
decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and
knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics.
We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and
supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing
and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around
the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible
employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for
your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal.
Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage,
voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition
assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual
merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact
will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers,
and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making
small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy
neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the
world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer
of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the
“World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery
store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join
us on our journey?