Mama Lola's Tortilla Company
Senior Engineer - Manufacturing Operations
Mama Lola's Tortilla Company, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Engineer – Manufacturing Operations
We are seeking a hands-on Senior Engineer to take ownership of engineering projects and keep our production environment running at its best. This role is highly visible and impactful: you’ll be out on the floor, solving problems, driving improvements, and making sure equipment and systems are designed and maintained for performance, reliability, and safety. The right candidate thrives on rolling up their sleeves, leading projects end-to-end, and being the “go-to” problem solver when challenges arise. While all engineering backgrounds are welcome, a strong foundation in electrical engineering will be a major advantage in this role. Interested in this position? Review the requirements and responsibilities below. Job Responsibilities
Provide technical expertise across electrical, mechanical, and automation systems. Troubleshoot equipment issues directly on the floor and implement permanent fixes. Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to keep equipment running reliably. Lead engineering projects from design through installation, commissioning, and handoff. Manage equipment upgrades, retrofits, and new installations. Specify, source, and implement new technologies and systems that improve operations. Work with cross-functional teams to ensure projects deliver measurable results in uptime, safety, and throughput. Act as a technical leader and mentor for technicians and junior engineers. Share best practices, train team members, and build a stronger technical culture. Ensure all projects and systems comply with OSHA, NEC, NFPA, FDA, SQF, and GMP standards. Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and safety procedures. Champion safety initiatives including lockout/tagout and risk assessments. Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and automate processes where appropriate. Support lean manufacturing initiatives with practical, engineering-driven solutions. Use data and KPIs to drive root cause analysis and long-term improvements. Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline). 5+ years of experience
in a manufacturing environment (food or beverage preferred). Proven ability to
take ownership of projects
and deliver results. Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems. Electrical engineering background or significant experience with power distribution, controls, or automation is a strong plus. Excellent communication and leadership ability—comfortable working across teams and mentoring others. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred. Familiarity with PLCs, automation systems, SCADA/MES, or data acquisition a plus. Knowledge of GMPs, sanitary design, and food safety standards is desirable. Physical Requirements
Ability to push, pull and lift 50 pounds. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, kneeling, crouching or bending. Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate hand tools and power tools effectively. Visual acuity to inspect and troubleshoot schematics and equipment. Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, and humidity. About the company
Mama Lola’s, LLC dba Mama Lola’s Tortillas ("Mama Lola’s") is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ and is a leading regional manufacturer of fresh, organic and preservative-free tortillas, tortilla chips and related products. Founded in 1987, Mama Lola’s produces corn and flour tortillas in a variety of flavors, shapes, colors and sizes with the goal of providing high-quality options. Mama Lola’s serves restaurants, grocers, caterers, distributors and school districts throughout Arizona, focusing on quality, freshness, on-time delivery and product innovation.
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We are seeking a hands-on Senior Engineer to take ownership of engineering projects and keep our production environment running at its best. This role is highly visible and impactful: you’ll be out on the floor, solving problems, driving improvements, and making sure equipment and systems are designed and maintained for performance, reliability, and safety. The right candidate thrives on rolling up their sleeves, leading projects end-to-end, and being the “go-to” problem solver when challenges arise. While all engineering backgrounds are welcome, a strong foundation in electrical engineering will be a major advantage in this role. Interested in this position? Review the requirements and responsibilities below. Job Responsibilities
Provide technical expertise across electrical, mechanical, and automation systems. Troubleshoot equipment issues directly on the floor and implement permanent fixes. Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to keep equipment running reliably. Lead engineering projects from design through installation, commissioning, and handoff. Manage equipment upgrades, retrofits, and new installations. Specify, source, and implement new technologies and systems that improve operations. Work with cross-functional teams to ensure projects deliver measurable results in uptime, safety, and throughput. Act as a technical leader and mentor for technicians and junior engineers. Share best practices, train team members, and build a stronger technical culture. Ensure all projects and systems comply with OSHA, NEC, NFPA, FDA, SQF, and GMP standards. Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and safety procedures. Champion safety initiatives including lockout/tagout and risk assessments. Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and automate processes where appropriate. Support lean manufacturing initiatives with practical, engineering-driven solutions. Use data and KPIs to drive root cause analysis and long-term improvements. Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline). 5+ years of experience
in a manufacturing environment (food or beverage preferred). Proven ability to
take ownership of projects
and deliver results. Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems. Electrical engineering background or significant experience with power distribution, controls, or automation is a strong plus. Excellent communication and leadership ability—comfortable working across teams and mentoring others. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred. Familiarity with PLCs, automation systems, SCADA/MES, or data acquisition a plus. Knowledge of GMPs, sanitary design, and food safety standards is desirable. Physical Requirements
Ability to push, pull and lift 50 pounds. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, kneeling, crouching or bending. Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate hand tools and power tools effectively. Visual acuity to inspect and troubleshoot schematics and equipment. Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, and humidity. About the company
Mama Lola’s, LLC dba Mama Lola’s Tortillas ("Mama Lola’s") is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ and is a leading regional manufacturer of fresh, organic and preservative-free tortillas, tortilla chips and related products. Founded in 1987, Mama Lola’s produces corn and flour tortillas in a variety of flavors, shapes, colors and sizes with the goal of providing high-quality options. Mama Lola’s serves restaurants, grocers, caterers, distributors and school districts throughout Arizona, focusing on quality, freshness, on-time delivery and product innovation.
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