PRIMARY PURPOSEThe Senior Project Engineer will collaborate closely with the division's outside sales team to deliver advanced engineering support for complex projects and strategic initiatives across the organization. This role is responsible for solving customer challenges and delivering cost-effective, engineered-to-order solutions, including project management, estimation, system design, and installation support.
JOB DUTIES- Conceptualize and design large scale and complex sanitary manufacturing and cleaning processes.
- Evaluate customer opportunities with Outside Sales to determine alignment with business goals. Develop recommendations and solutions to solve customer needs through the estimating, design, and delivery of customized solutions.
- Utilize CAD to prepare engineering drawings, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs (piping & instrumentation diagrams), equipment layouts, general assembly drawings, and solid models, as needed according to accepted engineering principles.
- Understand customer requirements, develop project cost estimates, and create customer proposals. Support Outside Sales in the presentation of proposals and solutions to the customer and promote the sale of the project.
- Deliver large and/or complex projects as both a project manager and design engineer that meet customer requirements along with internal targets for performance, quality, cost, and schedule.
- Identify and mitigate risk that may prevent the successful delivery of solutions.
- Lead effective technical and cross-functional design reviews.
- Manage onsite installations as the customer point-of-contact and lead for subcontractors. Ensure projects are completed per project requirements and to the customer's satisfaction.
- Issue change orders when project deviates from agreed upon scope.
- Facilitate the development of project documentation and turnover packages.
- Communicate effectively with business senior management, including Engineering and Division leadership. Maintain positive relations with all operating groups, especially Sales.
- Support and coach others on engineering processes while offering and implementing ideas for continuous improvement.
- Be a company resource on the application of relevant industry standards to customized solutions. Provide technical support for Sales, customers, and other associates.
- Research new technology and applications within the industry and works with vendors to determine how to integrate into solutions.
- Interface with third party partners, including equipment and material suppliers.
- Remain up to date on safety training and certification and promote safe work practices on job sites and in the shop.
- Act as a technical resource for less experienced engineering personnel.
- Promote an engaging work environment by exhibiting a positive attitude, helping where needed, and being an active member of the company. Be approachable. Set example to be followed by others.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution. Master's degree is a plus.
- Ten plus years of experience in engineered solutions of industrial products or systems. Experience delivering custom solutions using a project-based and engineered-to-order approach is preferred.
- Professional Engineering License in a relevant field preferred.
- Background in sanitary fluid processing in food and beverage, dairy, personal care, or pharmaceuticals is preferred.
- Experience with drafting, solid modeling, and design packages, e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, etc.
- Ability to understand and create P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams).
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications along with ERP and project management system experience.
- Experience with engineering project management, including customer management, estimating and proposals, risk identification and mitigation, planning, execution, vendor management, and installation.
- Ability to travel to customer and vendor facilities; approximately 35% travel required (this could include local and/or overnight travel).
- Must be a good fit culturally for a family-owned enterprise.
