Plant Engineering Manager

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people.  Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

Are you a seasoned engineering leader ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment? AFB is investing in the future of its O’Fallon facility, and we’re looking for a Plant Engineering Manager to drive safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growth-focused company investing in state-of-the-art upgrades, including new production lines, boiler installations, and wastewater system modernization.
• Lead and develop a talented engineering and maintenance team in a fast-paced, unionized manufacturing setting.
• Drive high-impact projects from capital planning through execution, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Collaborate across all levels with production, quality, and safety teams in a supportive, team-oriented culture.
• Advance your career with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, FDA, USDA, and environmental regulations.
• Manage, develop, and retain a high-performing engineering and maintenance team.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment reliability using CMMS systems.
• Direct capital and major expense projects, including budgeting, vendor coordination, and startup validation.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to meet operational goals around Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost leadership.
• Utilize your expertise in plant systems—mechanical, electrical, utility systems (compressed air, boilers, HVAC, water treatment)—to solve complex technical challenges.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, analyzing ROI and controlling costs aligned with plant performance.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum: Associate’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Proven experience leading engineering and maintenance teams in a union manufacturing environment (or strong supervisory experience with a solid track record in team development).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million-dollar capital projects from feasibility through execution.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance best practices, root cause analysis, vendor management, and CMMS utilization.
• Exceptional communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor to executives.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance with no compromises.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving cost-effective project execution.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior plant engineering management experience.
• Experience working in fast-paced, unionized manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean, Kaizen, or EBOS.

Ready to elevate your career and make a lasting impact? Join AFB’s dedicated team in O’Fallon, MO, and play a key role in shaping the future of our growing facility. Submit your resume today to take the next step!

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.