Maintenance & Engineering Manager

Believer Meats, formerly known as Future Meat Technologies, is a cultivated meat company excited to scale to feed the world. Driven by a mission to ensure that all future generations can enjoy real and delicious meat, Believer’s technology and process will make meat accessible and affordable to all.

As the Maintenance, Engineering, and Utilities Manager for our cultivated meat production facility, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our state-of-the-art production processes. You will oversee all aspects of maintenance, engineering, and utilities to maximize efficiency, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Your leadership will be essential in maintaining a safe, reliable, and sustainable production environment.

The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical and electrical systems, substantial experience in the Food, Pharma, and/or Brewing industry, and a comprehensive understanding of food manufacturing, adherence to sanitation best practices, and compliance with health and safety regulations. A successful Maintenance and Engineering Manager will bring strong leadership and management skills, and a data-driven approach to reporting, maintaining records, and recommending solutions. 

Maintenance Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure all equipment and machinery operate at optimal performance levels.
• Schedule and coordinate preventive maintenance activities to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Manage a team of maintenance technicians, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including equipment repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

Engineering Support:

•  Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize production processes and improve equipment design for efficiency and scalability.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for equipment malfunctions or technical issues, implementing effective solutions to minimize disruption.
•  Evaluate new technologies and equipment upgrades to enhance production capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the industry.

Utilities Management:

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of utility systems, including HVAC, electrical, water, boilers, chillers, and waste management, ammonia refrigeration.
• Monitor utility usage and implement strategies to optimize efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Develop contingency plans for utility outages or emergencies to minimize impact on production operations.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay current with industry regulations and standards related to maintenance, engineering, and utilities management.
• Ensure all maintenance and engineering activities adhere to relevant safety and environmental guidelines.
• oordinate with regulatory agencies as needed to maintain compliance and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

•  Build and establish the engineering and maintenance system alongside building the team in terms of development, training, and retaining employees.
•  Foster a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement among maintenance, engineering, and utilities teams.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality assurance, and other departments to address cross-functional challenges and achieve shared goals.
• Provide leadership and support during plant expansions, upgrades, or new technology implementations.

Troubleshooting and Repairs:

• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with external vendors for specialized repairs and maintenance services.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the maintenance budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
•  Source and procure necessary tools, equipment, and spare parts.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders, repairs, and equipment history.
• Generate regular reports on equipment performance, maintenance costs, and downtime.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in maintenance and engineering roles in the food manufacturing industry is a must!
• A track record of leading and coaching personnel on technical aspects of food manufacturing and familiarity with codes, regulations, SQF, HAACP, OHSAS, and other relevant standards.
• Willingness to work hands-on.
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.
•  Experience with maintenance management software and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and reporting for food processing facilities.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to interact with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
• Continuous excellence oriented. Practical experience in one of these: Six Sigma, TPM, Lean manufacturing, or other.