Vice President of Engineering - FBSPL : Job Details

Job Title: VP of Engineering

Job Location: Rochester, NY

JOB SUMMARY

The VP of Engineering Leader will work alongside the CTO and lead company's engineering team in the successful scaling, design, and buildout of novel food processing technologies and commercial-scale facilities. The individual is responsible for managing designing of scaled manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for equipment, processing, and handling of the company's commercial-scale food processing plants. The position shall serve a critical need by providing oversight and working closely with internal research and development engineering groups to inform upgrades and replacements for French fry operations in the pilot facility. The position shall also be required to interface with the external design engineering firms and equipment vendors to inform French fry manufacturing scale-up plans inclusive of capital planning, frameworks for the future cost saving projects and team building.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• You are both effective and efficient working with the internal research engineering group to articulate the company's scale-up needs to all its relevant stakeholders.
• You effectively develop strategies and plans to ease decision making for the management.
• You effectively execute and manage project work, relationships with external partners.
• You are effective in translating the learnings and insights gained from the pilot facility into successfully designing and implementing solutions for commercial scale.
• You are effective in translating the engineering research and development learnings into a well-thought-out IP portfolio.
• Through your leadership and expertise, you create a safe work environment, prioritizing culture growth opportunities and development.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience with senior leadership of a diverse engineering group.
• A BA in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required, a graduate degree preferred.
• A background in project management, manufacturing, equipment design, and facility design is required.
• 15+ years of equipment and facility design or related experience.
• 3D CAD Skills, SolidWorks preferred.
• Hands-on experience of scaling equipment and working in pilot facilities preferred.
• A multidisciplinary knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering principles.
• Six Sigma and/or Lean Manufacturing Certifications are preferred.
• A creative, entrepreneurial, collaborative work style.
• Knowledge with intellectual property and patent management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Facility

• Build internal capabilities for technical leadership and platform innovation that drives competitive advantage and business performance.
• Develop and implement technology roadmaps along with budgets to evaluate food and packaging advances via proof of concepts.
• Conduct the techno-economic analyses to aid the development, design, and commercialization of upgraded process equipment that creates agility and improves cost positioning and quality at scale.
• Drive continuous improvement, research objectives, and growth of the pilot facility to aid development of processes and design of equipment at commercial scale while building a robust intellectual property portfolio.
• Author or contribute to technical proposals, summary project reports and presentations.
• Assist with pilot production trial runs, making improvements and modifications as needed.
• Mentors, teaches, and advises teams to create greater organizational capability through performance and career management to develop future technology leaders.

Commercial Facilities

• Oversee the capital planning and execution of the new commercial scale manufacturing operations.
• Oversee the team building efforts in accordance with the short and mid-term engineering objectives of our company.
• Coordinate with external engineering firms and internal resources to further develop and model scaled equipment, facility layouts, and commercialization plans.
• Develop manufacturing processes that are applicable to statistical process control, regulatory requirements, and OSHA certifications.
• Oversee the design and layout of the company's commercial facilities across equipment, process, and procedure in accordance with the objectives of our company.
• Find, develop, and foster relationships with vendors capable of executing equipment manufacturing, automation, and controls work for commercial facilities.
• Manage relationships and oversee timely completion of projects with 3rd party vendors and fabricators.
• Engage creatively with automation and custom equipment solutions with an understanding of the strategy and long-term vision of company leadership.

General

• Accommodate flexible scheduling and hours as required based on the needs of the business.
• Work openly and cooperatively with senior management and all departments and cross functional teams to mitigate risks, identify opportunities, create value, and fulfill strategic organizational goals.
• Identify complex issues as they arise and provide recommended solutions to the management team, solving problems with a broad perspective to identify creative and innovative solutions.
• Ensure that appropriate communications take place by facilitating and participating in meetings, encouraging an open-door policy, and proactively seeking feedback from team members; foster an engaged, collaborative and non-competitive work environment by encouraging accountability, open communication, and teamwork.
• Ensure that the reputation and image in the community is consistent with our company's values, and that business relationships with all stakeholders are not compromised.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing work assignments and adhere to all policies and procedures as specified in company manuals and as directed in the employee handbook.
• Proactively seek and participate in available company-sponsored training to develop and advance knowledge base and skill set.
• Stay up to date with the latest safety and production management best practices and concepts.
• Foster a work environment consistent with company culture: prioritize development, growth opportunities, accountability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management in a professional and efficient manner.

COMPENSATION AND POSITION DETAILS

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Compensation commensurate with experience. We are an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.