Maintenance Manager

Are you ready for your next adventure?
 
At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House© meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We’re proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.
 
We are looking for a Maintenance Manager within our Facilities and Engineering department. The Maintenance Manager leads the maintenance team and oversees all maintenance operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of freeze-drying/lyophilization equipment, production systems, utilities, and facility infrastructure. This role provides strategic direction for preventive maintenance programs, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. The ideal candidate is someone who is strategic, actively drives change, brings deep knowledge of employee relations and policy creation, excels at coaching leaders, and has significant experience in managing employee leave.

You will get to:
  

• Lead and develop the maintenance team, including training, performance management, and succession planning
• Ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation of all production equipment, utilities, and facility infrastructure, adhering to OSHA, PSM, environmental, and company safety policies. 
• Direct preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment uptime, reliability, and asset lifecycle performance
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on major plant systems (e.g., steam, refrigeration, vacuum, air, nitrogen) and production equipment (e.g., packaging equipment) 
• Plan, manage, and execute capital projects, including scope development, cost estimates, bidding, contractor oversight, installation, and start-up
• Maintain accurate maintenance documentation through the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system, ensuring work orders, labor, materials, and equipment history are properly recorded
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, including labor, materials, services, and capital expenditures 
• Coordinate contractors and vendors, ensuring work quality, compliance, and alignment with project and maintenance priorities 
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and EHS to support production needs, facility improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning 
• Serve as a responder for plant safety programs, including hazardous materials response and enforcement of LOTO, confined space, hot work, and other critical safety procedures.
• In the absence of incumbent, the direct supervisor will act as designee
• Exhibit professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflect positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices
• Embody OFD’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department and company culture

We are looking for someone who has:

• Generally, a minimum of Six (6) years of experience in Maintenance field in food, nutraceutical or pharmaceutical industry with a Bachelor ‘s degree in Engineering, Operations/Manufacturing Management or a related technical discipline or equivalent
• Generally, a minimum of three (3) years of experience leading and managing teams. Proven technical proficiency with industrial utilities and manufacturing and equipment, including prior experience in ammonia refrigeration, steam, vacuum, compressed air systems, and manufacturing/packaging machinery
• Demonstrated mechanical and electrical competency, including an Oregon Millwright card and Oregon LME or Journeyman Electrical license (or equivalent), with the ability to maintain all required certifications in good standing
• Proficiency in maintenance systems and tools, including ERP/EAM software, Microsoft Project, and Excel, with strong analytical skills for managing equipment history, work orders, and project timelines 
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams, managing performance, coordinating contractors, and collaborating effectively across departments 

Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits:
 
 At Oregon Freeze Dry, we believe that our employees are the key to our success. That’s why we offer a competitive total rewards package aimed at supporting the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of you and your family. 
  

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members

Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.
 
 All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.