Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering, or related field.
3+ years in manufacturing, food production, or similar environments.
3+ years managing capital projects from planning to startup.
3+ years leading cross-functional teams involving vendors and operations.
Experience with contractor management and equipment installation.
Proficient in AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
Understanding of food safety and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Lead capital and operational projects from concept through completion.
Develop technical solutions while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Collaborate with various teams to achieve project goals and successful outcomes.
Manage contractors and vendors, ensuring safe and on-time project execution.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices.
Provide technical support to enhance equipment reliability and performance.
Communicate project updates and recommendations to stakeholders.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
401(k) with company match.
Paid time off and holidays.
Opportunity for professional development and training.
Supportive work environment with a focus on safety and quality.
Full Job Description
This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead multiple capital and operational projects from concept through startup, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, and project closeout.
Develop and implement technical solutions that meet operational objectives while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental, Safety, R&D, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and external partners to achieve project objectives and drive successful outcomes.
Manage contractors, vendors, and construction activities by evaluating technical solutions, coordinating field execution, and resolving issues to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Ensure compliance with corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable codes while promoting a safe and quality-focused work environment.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives by implementing best practices, applying lessons learned, and identifying opportunities to enhance productivity and operational performance.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
Communicate project status, risks, scope changes, budget performance, and key milestones to stakeholders while providing recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Maintain accurate project documentation, records, and communication tools to support transparency, knowledge sharing, and long-term business needs.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.
Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing, food production, or continuous process environment.
Minimum 3 years of experience managing capital projects, including project planning, budgeting, scheduling, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
Minimum 3 years of experience leading cross-functional projects and collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and external vendors.
Experience managing construction activities, contractors, and equipment installations within a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with AutoCAD or a comparable CAD platform for equipment layouts, design reviews, and project development.
Working knowledge of manufacturing automation, packaging systems, processing equipment, and plant operations.
Understanding of food manufacturing regulations, including GMPs, food safety requirements, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance practices.
TRAVEL
Up to 50% - Travel between different Kent Consumer Brands facilities (Muscatine, IA, Bolingbrook, IL, Superior, WI and New Sharon, IA)
