Utilities Engineer

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Midwest Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Utilities Engineer based in Murfreesboro, TN.

The Utilities Engineer will oversee project management by developing and executing short- and long-term plans, coordinating with internal teams and external partners, and ensuring projects meet deadlines, quality standards, and business objectives. This role will drive plant utility efficiency and sustainability efforts by managing and providing technical leadership for systems such as HVAC, boilers, refrigeration, air compressors, and electrical distribution, while leading energy conservation initiatives. Additionally, the Utilities Engineer will ensure environmental compliance by supporting and overseeing the Industrial Pretreatment Facility, managing environmental contracts and audits, coordinating third-party contractors, and aligning with corporate sustainability goals. This position reports to the Plant Technical Manager. 

From your EXPERTISE to our

Key responsibilities for this position include: 

• Oversee development, execution, and budgeting of utility projects
• Ensure all activities meet plant food safety and quality standards
• Support production growth by ensuring utility systems capacity and environmental compliance
• Identify and implement energy efficiency initiatives to reduce costs and optimize consumption
• Strengthen preventative maintenance and lead sustainability-focused improvement projects
• Track energy usage, prepare weekly/monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports, and review/approve related invoices
• Lead and supervise maintenance strategies for plant utility systems, including Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), ammonia refrigeration, boilers, steam, air compressors)
• Oversee utility operations to ensure proper staffing, performance, and compliance with permit limits
• Complete and manage regulatory documentation for EPA, DEP, OSHA, and other agencies
• Ensure compliance with emissions limits and waste disposal regulations
• Develop, implement, and deliver training on utility and environmental standards and procedures
• Promote safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-efficient utility operations
• Coordinate utility and environmental reporting with internal and external stakeholders
• Partner with Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) to meet regulatory reporting requirements and maintain operating permits.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• Majors in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering are preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years’ experience overseeing all facets of utility and resource maintenance and reliability management in a manufacturing facility is required. Experience in an energy-intensive or highly energy-conscious manufacturing facility is preferred. 

Certifications and specific knowledge

• The following certification is required for this role: Wastewater Systems Certification.
• Experience with ammonia systems and Process Safety Management (PSM) for ammonia systems 
• Experience with high-pressure boiler systems, operations, and regulatory compliance 
• Experience in safety and environmental processes to maintain a manufacturing facility in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

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