PurposeThis position is responsible for managing projects from concept through commissioning, including equipment selection, engineering design, procurement, installation, startup, and performance verification.
The Project Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Executive Leadership teams to deliver projects that improve capacity, quality, sustainability, and profitability across Ravago's manufacturing network.
The position combines strong engineering and project management skills with a hands-on approach, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Areas of Responsibility / Tasks Performance must reflect appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below:
- General Policy
- Safety
- Help transfer best process and equipment practices across production lines.
- Work with S & E Coordinator, where necessary, to update PPE requirements.
- Implement necessary environmental controls to avoid pollution and contamination.
Capital Project Management- Lead capital projects from concept development through startup and project closeout.
- Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and project execution plans.
- Manage projects ranging from equipment upgrades to large-scale plant expansions.
- Track budgets, schedules, change orders, and project performance metrics.
- Ensure projects meet safety, quality, environmental, and operational requirements.
- Provide regular project updates to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders.
Manufacturing & Process EngineeringSupport projects involving:
- Plastic compounding operations
- Twin-screw and single-screw extrusion systems
- Pelletizing systems
- Blending and ingredient handling systems
- Color concentrates and additive masterbatch production
- Engineered polymer compounds
- Mechanical recycling processes
- Material receiving, storage, and conveying systems
- Packaging and automated warehousing systems
Responsibilities include:- Developing equipment specifications.
- Reviewing PFDs, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and utility requirements.
- Optimizing manufacturing processes to improve throughput and quality.
- Supporting implementation of new products and formulations.
Recycling & Sustainability Projects- Lead projects supporting post-industrial (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin production.
- Implement technologies related to:
- Size reduction and shredding
- Washing and separation
- Melt filtration
- Extrusion recycling
- Pelletizing and product finishing
- Drive initiatives that improve material recovery, yield, quality, and sustainability performance.
- Support Ravago's circular economy and recycling growth initiatives.
Vendor & Contractor Management- Develop RFQs and technical bid packages.
- Evaluate equipment proposals and supplier capabilities.
- Support supplier selection processes and contract reviews.
- Participate in design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
- Manage contractor and supplier activities during installation and commissioning.
Automation & Reliability- Support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and process control system upgrades.
- Coordinate with controls engineers and automation suppliers.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
- Participate in troubleshooting and root cause investigations.
Startup & Commissioning- Lead commissioning and startup activities for new equipment and production systems.
- Develop startup plans and punch lists.
- Verify achievement of equipment performance guarantees.
- Coordinate operator and maintenance training.
- Ensure complete turnover of project documentation.
Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in technical field is preferred.
Experience:
- Working primarily on manufacturing shop floor and not behind desk.
- 5+ years of engineering and project management experience in manufacturing
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal, people management and problem solving skills.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.
- Detail oriented, system thinker, disciplined, ability to prioritize and multi-task.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, ERP's)
Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.
- Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office.
- Must be comfortable working in a non-climate controlled environment.
- Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.
- All injuries regardless of severity must be reported to your Supervisor/HR immediately.
Soft Skills & Leadership CompetenciesLeadership & Ownership- Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability for project outcomes.
- Leads cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
- Drives projects to completion with minimal supervision.
- Makes sound decisions while balancing safety, quality, cost, and schedule considerations.
- Exhibits a strong sense of urgency and commitment to results.
Communication- Effectively communicates with operators, technicians, managers, suppliers, and executives.
- Delivers clear presentations and project updates to leadership.
- Translates technical concepts into understandable business impacts.
- Produces organized project documentation and reports.
Collaboration- Builds strong relationships across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
- Works effectively across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.
- Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
Problem Solving- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- Uses data-driven decision-making to solve operational challenges.
- Quickly identifies project risks and develops mitigation strategies.
- Effectively manages challenges during installation and startup activities.
Adaptability- Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Successfully manages multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrates flexibility when project requirements evolve.
- Maintains composure during high-pressure situations.
Business Acumen- Understands ROI, NPV, payback, and project financial analysis.
- Makes decisions based on business value and operational impact.
- Evaluates suppliers from both technical and commercial perspectives.
- Focuses on maximizing long-term value for Ravago and its customers.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Projects delivered safely
- Capital projects completed within budget
- Project schedule adherence
- Successful startup and commissioning performance
- Achievement of throughput and productivity targets
- Reduction of manufacturing costs
- Equipment reliability improvements
- Customer complaint reduction
- Return on invested capital (ROIC) achievement
Work Environment / ConditionsThe work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience, and therefore must be adaptable to work in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office. Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.
Travel- Remote site location require heavy travel schedule at times.