Technical Manager

Summary

We are seeking a results-driven Technical Manager to support engineering, maintenance, reliability, and capital projects at our manufacturing facility. This role emphasizes collaboration with the maintenance team to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance overall plant operations.

The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader with hands-on expertise in automation, controls, packaging/processing equipment, and preventive maintenance systems within a food or GMP-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority and operational leader for the Manufacturing plant’s automation systems and primary escalation point for complex controls issues, system reliability, downtime, etc.
• Coordinate the Maintenance, Engineering, IT, and Operations teams to improve system reliability, standardize controls architecture, reduce downtime, and develop internal technical talent.
• Drive proactive controls strategies and long-term automation excellence within the Manufacturing plant.
• Electrical device lifecycle management, develop and proactively manage end of life devices and continuity plan.
• Create and execute controls projects from concept through commissioning inclusive of managing scope, timelines, and technical execution to achieve project cost savings.
• Train, coach, and mentor Controls and Maintenance team members within the Manufacturing plant and develop structured training plans to close skill gaps and reduce contractor dependency
• Ensure standardization and governance through consistent documentation practices including Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), ladder logic, network diagrams, SOPs, etc.
• Lead the development of strategic direction for the facility Engineering and Maintenance team.
• Manage Capital and Expense Spending; ensure successful project start-ups using PM tools including equipment standards, specifications, Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing and Commissioning protocols.
• Coach engineering resources and project startup leaders where applicable.
• Develop and implement safety, quality, continuous improvement, and customer service programs.
• Experience leveraging CMMS to manage asset lifecycle, drive PM compliance, and generate reliability KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, PM completion rate)Provide strategic direction for all utilities, infrastructure, and support areas within the facility.
• Support advanced troubleshooting with maintenance team; perform breakdown analysis and eliminate failure points.
• Apply strong knowledge of packaging and processing equipment (e.g., Melting Tanks, Extruders, Cooling Conveyors, Enrobers, Horizontal Over Wrappers, Tray Machines, Case Packers, Vertical Form Fill Seal equipment, scales, Packaging Systems, tempering units).
• Audit preventive maintenance requirements and ensure compliance with manuals, diagrams, and specifications.
• Support TPM rollout at the plant level.
• Maintain documentation, communication, and continuity among work teams.
• Ensure a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Schedule daily work among team members and oversee / train staff where appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• BS preferred or 10+ years hands-on controls experience in lieu of degree
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on engineering and troubleshooting capability
• Advanced knowledge of PLC programming and automation systems; Allen Bradley required
• NFPA 70/79, 480VAC distribution, arc flash awareness.
• Experience developing and modifying HMI applications (FactoryTalk View SE/ME or equivalent); ability to build and maintain operator screens, alarming, and historian integration.
• Experience developing capital appropriation requests and managing project budgets through execution.
• Results-driven with focus on timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Strong electrical and mechanical knowledge with ability to read schematics and prints.
• EtherNet/IP, managed switches, network segmentation
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Background in packaging and food/pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to coach, lead, and develop technical staff.

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading and understanding mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
• 10+ years of related experience in a food/pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• PLC experience with ability to read ladder diagrams.
• Packaging background with experience in HMI software.

Work Environment

• This position works in both office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Evening and weekend work may be required on an as-needed basis.
• Travel to local sister facilities may be required.

Tandem Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.