Director of Engineering
 Dole Food Company, Inc. | |
 United States, North Carolina, Bessemer City | |
 Jul 26, 2025 | |
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Director of Engineering LinkedIn
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Engineering All Locations
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular Tracking Code
985 GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE: Reporting to the VP of VA Operations, the Director of Engineering is responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, operational efficiency, and overall reliability of manufacturing systems and equipment. This role leads a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on optimizing equipment performance, reducing downtime, and delivering strategic capital and maintenance projects. This role will enhance plant operations through continuous improvement efforts that promote safety, food quality, environmental sustainability, and cost-effective operations. The role requires strong leadership, technical acumen, and a proactive approach to asset reliability and performance. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION: * Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers and technical professionals in delivering effective maintenance and engineering solutions.
* Oversee the planning and execution of capital projects to improve operational reliability and plant infrastructure.
* Drive performance improvements in safety, food safety, and equipment reliability metrics.
* Collaborate with cross-functional departments (Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, FSQA, Production, Procurement, Cooler, Ag Operations) to ensure alignment with company goals.
* Champion and implement reliability-centered maintenance practices, predictive maintenance, and failure analysis programs.
* Identify and address systemic equipment and infrastructure issues to improve operational performance.
* Monitor equipment condition, lifecycle, and performance data to make data-driven investment and repair decisions.
* Ensure engineering compliance with internal standards, Hygienic Design principles, GMP, SQF, OSHA, and environmental regulations.
* Prepare and manage engineering and reliability budgets, with an emphasis on ROI and long-term cost control.
* Develop three-year capital and master facility plans aligned with operational strategy.
* Review project designs, cost estimates, and oversee vendor/contractor work to ensure technical and regulatory compliance.
* Lead initiatives for process optimization and continuous improvement across the facility.
* Support training programs for maintenance and operations teams to enhance equipment knowledge and reliability practices.
* Perform inspections and evaluations of systems to identify improvement opportunities or risks.
* Promote and enforce safety policies, practices, and audits as part of job site responsibility.
* Serve as a technical liaison with auditors, vendors, and corporate engineering partners.
* Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: * 8+ years of engineering, project management, or reliability experience in a manufacturing setting; food or ready-to-eat industry experience preferred.
* Proficiency in engineering software such as AutoCAD, MS Project, and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Strong understanding of asset management systems, preventive/predictive maintenance, and root cause analysis.
* Familiarity with refrigeration systems (ammonia), utilities, and automation is advantageous.
* Effective leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced production environment.
* Dynamic, hands-on ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented food-processing environment. Must have the ability to make effective communications, decisions, and directions, interact well with co-workers, understand and follow posted work rules/procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to move within manufacturing environments including cold, damp, and moderately noisy areas.
* Ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and lift up to 40 lbs.
* Occasional exposure to fumes and airborne particles
WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: * Flexibility to work varied shifts based on project and operational needs.
* Travel to other facilities as required.
Required Experience
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION: * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering field OR equivalent work experience.
PAY RATE:
EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. | |