Chief Engineer - Maintenance - FreshRealm

The salary for this position is $80,000 - $130,000

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

FreshRealm is seeking an experienced, mechanically and technically skilled Maintenance Manager/Chief Engineer to oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and compliance of refrigeration and boiler systems, while also managing a maintenance team within our fresh food manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial refrigeration, boiler systems, and facilities management, with a deep understanding of state-specific regulations and safety standards. This role will ensure efficient operation of ammonia refrigeration, high-pressure boiler systems, and other facility operations while maintaining a focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision and Maintenance

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration systems (compressors, evaporators, condensers, etc.) and high-pressure boiler systems, ensuring compliance with NJSA 34:7-1 and NJAC 12:90.
• Manage and develop a preventive maintenance program (PM) for refrigeration, steam, HVAC, and auxiliary systems to reduce downtime and extend system lifespan.
• Supervise a team of stationary engineers, maintenance engineers, and other facility staff, including contractors, ensuring that maintenance work is performed safely and to specifications.
• Delegate maintenance tasks to personnel as needed (e.g., HVAC, air compressors, wastewater systems, etc.), ensuring all systems meet production and safety requirements.
• Work with operations teams to ensure equipment and facilities are operating efficiently and meet production quality standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM (Process Safety Management) and EPA RMP (Risk Management Plan) requirements, conducting regular hazard analysis and safety drills.
• Oversee safe operation of ammonia refrigeration and high-pressure boiler systems in accordance with state regulations (e.g., NJSA 34:7-1, NJAC 12:90-5.2, NJDEP air quality standards).
• Act as the liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections, ensuring all systems meet state and federal standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, NJDEP).
• Maintain emergency response plans for hazardous releases and coordinate with local emergency response teams.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Staff Management and Development

• Lead and supervise a team of maintenance engineers, stationary engineers, and other maintenance personnel, ensuring they are properly trained and capable of performing their duties.
• Conduct regular training on safety, system operations, and compliance with state-specific regulations
• Provide leadership and mentorship, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Provide feedback to enhance staff development and maintain a high level of morale.
• Ensure clear, effective communication with team members, management, and other departments to meet operational goals.

Facilities and Equipment Management

• Oversee and coordinate large-scale projects (e.g., new construction, facility remodeling) with contractors, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, budgets, and timelines.
• Monitor and coordinate all maintenance and renovation work to ensure minimal disruption to operations and adherence to agreed timelines.
• Manage equipment installation, preventive maintenance, and corrective actions, ensuring that all work complies with state regulations and industry standards
• Maintain records of all maintenance activities, inspections, and system repairs in compliance with NJAC 12:90 and other state/federal requirements.

Regulatory Liaison & Reporting

• Ensure facilities are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, including electrical, fire safety, boiler inspections, backflow preventers, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with utility and insurance companies, coordinating compliance with state regulations
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on system performance, maintenance activities, and safety compliance, updating leadership on key operational issues.

Project Management

• Lead and manage facilities projects up to $1 million, including writing project scopes, CAPEX sheets, and conducting Factory Acceptance Tests.
• Coordinate with external contractors and ensure that project work adheres to safety standards, specifications, and timelines.

Key Qualifications

• Gold Seal License (Refrigeration) and Red Seal License (Boilers) as required by NJSA 34:7-21 and NJAC 12:90-5.2
• Minimum 5 years of experience with industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia) and high-pressure boiler systems, specifically in a food manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, including overseeing stationary engineers and other maintenance personnel.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA PSMEPA RMP, and state-specific regulations (e.g., NJDEPNJAC 12:90NJSA 34:7-1
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—for effective team leadership, cross-department coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work in cold/damp environments and manage projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and their application in a chilled food manufacturing environment.

Skills & Experience

• Facilities Maintenance

  Strong understanding of all aspects of facility maintenance, including refrigeration, HVAC, waste management, and utilities.

  
  

• Regulatory Compliance

  Expertise in navigating state-specific regulations, including New Jersey’s industrial, safety, and environmental standards.

  
  

• Project Management

  Proven ability to manage large-scale projects, from inception to completion, with experience in budgeting, timeline management, and coordination.

  
  

• Technical Skills

  Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and systems issues across a variety of facility systems (e.g., refrigeration, boilers, HVAC).

  
  

• Safety & Training

  Certified in OSHA, HACCP, First Aid/CPR, SDS, and Food Hygiene practices. Ability to train and enforce safety protocols.

  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Learning Agility
  • the willingness and ability to learn from experience and subsequently apply that learning to perform successfully under new or first-time conditions.
• Drive for Results
  • Can be counted on to deliver on what is required to advance the company; takes ownership of work from start to 100% finished work, brings others along with focused intensity
• Functional Skills
  • Possesses top-level relevant, usable experience and knowledge with the ability to establish themself as the best performer in the industry, at their role and level
• Courage
  • Prioritizes actions and decisions that move the company forward without hesitation around moments of uncomfortableness; laser-focused on the tasks at hand that makes any conflict that could get in the way of that an afterthought
• Thoughtful
  • In-charge of the room, establishes clear directions in all forms of communication, inclusive, motivates, and in service to others
• Business Athlete
  • Understands and can execute on and expand FreshRealm's competitive edge strategies, knowledgeable about current and future industry dynamics, knows the competition winner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT/WORK CONDITIONS

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to a variety of varying weather conditions, trash, waste, chemicals and other materials. The noise level in the work environment and facility can be loud. The employee must be able to adapt to working in an environment that is chilled and where surfaces may be slippery.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting to 40lbs; pull/push up to 60 lbs, grasp small products and identify very small variations in the product. Sight is required for observing work and production. May spend several hours using a computer to create reports, analyze data and respond to inquiries and issues. May be exposed to active machinery and moving equipment, food particles and trash. May be required to use a forklift or other machinery.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other business duties as assigned.

Covid-19 protocols are consistent with State Regulations