Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Food Engineering, or similar)
3+ years experience in project/process engineering, particularly in food manufacturing
Strong grasp of industrial electrical, mechanical, automation, and fluid handling systems
Ability to learn product-specific processes rapidly
Knowledge of food safety regulations like FDA, USDA, SQF, and GMP is preferred
PMP certification or similar project management qualification is a plus
Proficiency in project management software and engineering tools
Responsibilities
Collaborate with teams to define project scopes and develop cost estimates
Manage detailed project timelines, adapting to complex requirements
Lead complex projects, meeting technical, budget, and timeline goals
Coordinate cross-functional project teams and contractors, clarifying roles and responsibilities
Support process owners during project transition after startup and training
Deliver projects on time, within budget, and exceeding quality expectations
Drive risk management, including change control and contingency planning
Benefits
Full-time, permanent position
On-site work environment
Work with cross-functional teams and external contractors
Opportunity to lead large-scale projects
Engagement with a diversity of processes and technologies
Exposure to food safety and quality assurance standards in project execution
Full Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Capex EngineerPOSITION STATUS: Full-Time, PermanentLOCATION: Hazelwood, MODEPARTMENT: OperationsREPORT TO: VP of Operations
Primary Responsibilities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive project scopes and develop accurate cost estimates.
Develop and manage detailed project timelines (Gantt charts), adapting to complex project requirements.
Lead and oversee large and complex projects, ensuring all technical, budgetary, and timeline objectives are met.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams and external contractors, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Upon successful project startup and operator training, hand over the project and provide ongoing support to the process owner during the transition.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet or exceed product quality expectations.
Develop, own, and actively manage detailed project schedules, with daily and weekly tracking to ensure alignment with business priorities; identify and escalate risks early, and implement recovery plans proactively.
Drive structured risk management, including change control and contingency planning, to minimize project disruptions and ensure timely decision-making.
Oversee procurement timelines, maintaining consistent follow-up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery of materials, equipment, and services in line with project milestones.
Hold suppliers and contractors accountable for scope, quality, safety, and schedule performance through proactive communication, contract enforcement, and strong field oversight.
Maintain a consistent on-site presence to ensure effective coordination between engineering plans and field execution, resolve issues in real time, and support team alignment.
Lead commissioning and startup efforts, providing hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving support to ensure a smooth transition to operational ownership.
Core Competencies
Drive High Performance: Establishes clear accountability for outcomes. Demonstrates focus and discipline in planning and execution. Acts with speed, agility and demonstrates a sense of urgency to keep momentum.
Collaborate: Builds and maintains strong relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. Actively listens and communicates openly. Engages constructively in debates. Supports and executes decisions once made.
Can-do attitude: Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused approach, actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes, and readily tackles challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. Thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by delivering impactful results.
Innovate: Challenges the status quo by pro-actively identifying opportunities for improvement. encourages sharing best practices, creativity, and experimentation; learns from setbacks and adapts quickly.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Exhibits precision and thoroughness, consistently producing reliable work. Demonstrates diligence in reviewing data, identifying discrepancies promptly, and ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and compliance.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Food Engineering, or related field).
3+ years of experience in project and process engineering, including managing large and complex projects within food manufacturing or a related industry.
Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, pneumatics, and fluid handling.
Proven ability to quickly learn new product-specific processes and lead engineering projects; strong knowledge of general manufacturing processes and technologies.
Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality assurance standards is a plus (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP).
PMP or equivalent project management certification is advantageous.
Proficient with project management software and engineering tools.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a Full Time, permanent position
Exempt position 40 hours per week, and it may require working additional hours depending on business need requirements.
This is an on-site position and not a candidate for remote work.
