Job Overview:This role will support production of Alta Rounds - a 100% plastic-free, single-serve coffee system - at our Spartanburg, SC facility
As Project Engineer, you will lead practical problem-solving on manufacturing equipment and production systems by applying engineering fundamentals, structured troubleshooting, and continuous improvement principles. You will work directly with manufacturing sites to diagnose equipment issues, identify root cause, develop corrective actions, validate improvements, and sustain results through standard work and documentation. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Procurement, OEMs, and other Supply Chain stakeholders to improve equipment reliability, optimize productivity, support capital projects, and help deliver safe, sustainable, agile, and productive operations.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, with hands-on experience improving equipment performance in a manufacturing environment. Experience with Food and Beverage or CPG production lines is a strong plus. Knowledge of high-speed filling, packaging, coffee processing, controls, problem-solving methods, Lean tools, and statistical analysis will help this individual translate technical issues into measurable business results.
Travel:This individual will travel primarily to North American operations and sometimes internationally, up to 75% of weeks. We work hard to operate remotely as much as possible and to reduce unnecessary travel.Responsibilities:- Lead structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis for manufacturing equipment performance, reliability, quality, and safety issues.
- Use engineering principles, data analysis, and continuous improvement methods to define problems, test hypotheses, validate solutions, and prevent recurrence.
- Partner with plant teams, Maintenance, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and OEMs to develop and implement corrective actions that improve uptime, throughput, yield, waste, and operating stability.
- Support equipment improvement projects from problem definition through solution design, implementation, startup, and sustainment.
- Support new variety introductions, product qualifications, line trials, SAT/OAT activities, and commercialization runs by defining technical readiness needs, coordinating line changes, documenting critical parameters, and resolving issues that arise during scale-up.
- Define equipment performance criteria, key process parameters, acceptance criteria, and validation plans for improvements or capital projects.
- Establish and maintain centerlines, critical process parameters, troubleshooting playbooks, changeover standards, and operating windows for assigned systems to support repeatable performance across products and varieties.
- Serve as the technical authority between Operations and OEMs, leading the resolution of mechanical, electrical, controls, and process-related issues. Drive OEM accountability for equipment performance and influence equipment design, software, controls, and hardware modifications to ensure optimal line functionality, maintainability, and long-term operational success.
- Participate in technical design reviews, risk assessments, FMEA/DFMEA activities, and readiness reviews to ensure solutions are robust and manufacturable.
- Develop equipment modifications, technical specifications, standard work, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge documentation that help sites sustain improvements.
- Coordinate with project managers, plant personnel, vendors, and internal stakeholders to align scope, schedule, budget, risks, and expected benefits.
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and other continuous improvement practices to eliminate losses, reduce variation, and improve process capability.
- Support vertical startup and handoff activities by ensuring training, documentation, spare parts, operating standards, and performance tracking are in place.
- Build strong working relationships with internal customers, stakeholders, and external partners to drive practical, repeatable solutions across manufacturing sites.
- Coach and train technical resources and plant teams on problem-solving methods, equipment fundamentals, standards, and best practices.
Total Rewards:- Salary Range: $76,400 - $125,000
- Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
- Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
- Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility
Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline; mechanical, electrical, industrial, manufacturing, or similar engineering disciplines will be considered with relevant experience.
- 2+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting high-speed packaging, processing, or production equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex equipment problems using root cause analysis, data-driven decision making, engineering fundamentals, and structured CI methods.
- Experience supporting manufacturing equipment improvements, capital projects, startups, or reliability/productivity initiatives.
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, standard work, FMEA/DFMEA, DOE, statistical analysis, or similar problem-solving and risk-management tools.
- Ability to interpret process data, equipment performance trends, downtime drivers, quality losses, and operational constraints to identify improvement opportunities.
- Strong documentation skills, including technical reports, equipment standards, training materials, troubleshooting guides, and improvement plans.
- Comfortable spending significant time on the production floor during startup, troubleshooting, changeovers, trials, and recovery activities; able to operate with urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and documentation discipline.
- Knowledge of machine design, machine shop practices, controls, automation, packaging equipment, coffee processing equipment, plant infrastructure, or materials/processes is a plus.
- Self-motivated, highly energetic, and able to drive multiple projects and plant priorities simultaneously.
- Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to work in a team atmosphere, influence without direct authority, and coach others through technical problem-solving.
- Ability to uphold safety standards, participate in continuous process improvement on the job, and follow best practices.
