Project Engineering Manager

We are working with a nationwide food manufacturer that is looking for a corporate level Project Engineer! Must haves: Exposure to CAPEX projects, wastewater in food manufacturing. This opportunity is with a multi-site organization that offers a great deal of growth opportunity!

Location: Central San Joaquin Valley

Job Responsibilities:

• Define the business requirements: capacity needs over time, capacity available, R&D requirements in terms of raw materials, processes and possibilities for the future expansion. Ensure that the business needs are well validated by a cross-section of the business.
• Translate the business needs into process/packaging equipment requirements: Ensure that the design captures the best practices available in the industry. Constantly seek improvement through benchmarking, expert’s advice and transfer of best practices. Use the company network to gain access to the experts. Guarantee that the design is in compliance with the site master plan and with the company’s product strategic plan.
• Organize and carry out all necessary trials and tests to ensure project success with production, suppliers and R&D.
• Prepare the supplier selection bid package, request for quotation, work with corporate purchasing to manage the supplier selection process.
• Follow the internal capital approval request procedures regarding approval, purchase orders, and review variances actual vs. budget throughout the project, forecast and report cash flow and variance. Manage any changes using documented change orders.
• Ensure good quality planning, risk analysis, budget, resource identification, and layout studies are complete and accurate.
• Use all best methodologies of project management: Frequent Project meetings with minutes and action lists; Communication within the company about project content and progress. Involve plant resources from the early phases as future customers in quality, safety, production and maintenance. Show a customer service oriented mindset in executing projects.
• Ensure that the following milestones are respected throughout the project: provisional acceptance, I/O check-out, equipment site acceptance test, electrical test, water test, commissioning, final acceptance.
• Follow the execution of the project and ensure the coordination between projects, suppliers, manufacturing, and the business. Safety and Quality are the key priorities. Scope, Deliverables, Timeline and Budget are always to be respected.
• Measure project progress at start-up using a punch-list to ensure maximum supplier accountability.
• Leads proactive problem-solving efforts for manufacturing processes. Troubleshoots and resolves process equipment issues, diagnoses technical problems and determines short-term and long-term solutions.
• Conducts plant floor walk-throughs and/or participates on teams that focus on continuous improvement within the manufacturing area. Expected to participate in decisions that arise from engineering projects and/or manufacturing teams.
• Strictly comply to current PMO and FDA regulations as well as all OSHA regulations in force.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering preferred
• 8+ years of work experience as a project engineer
• 3+ years experience with CAPEX projects
• Food manufacturing experience required
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Familiar with the following trades: Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Utilities, and Construction.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Financial and budgetary skills
• Understanding of instrumentation, PLC, and Scada controls
• Ability to prioritize and manage projects in a changing, complex environment
• Strong organizational skills and proven attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Project, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to travel up to 30%