Project Engineer

The Project Engineer will oversee and support key projects from initiation to completion, including plant remodels, new plant/warehouse construction, redesign of existing manufacturing lines, installation of new lines, focused improvement (FI) initiatives, and detailed cost-saving projects. This role applies process engineering principles to enhance efficiency, optimize resources, and drive process improvements across methods, manpower, machinery, and materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of assigned projects, including project resources, budgets, forecasting, scheduling, engineering, integration, installation, start-up, and project closure.
• Facilitate project management processes to define project scope, goals, and deliverables.
• Plan, schedule, and track project timelines and milestones.
• Present reports on project progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Ensure that equipment, materials, and project outcomes meet quality standards, including sanitary design.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement real-time solutions.
• Participate in budget management, including development and forecasting.
• Assist in designing and laying out manufacturing plants and production lines, and assess new or modified equipment.
• Review processes to identify and implement improvements that reduce labor costs, enhance productivity, and improve operational efficiency.
• Recommend methods to improve worker efficiency and reduce material and utility waste, such as reorganizing workflows, relocating workstations, and upgrading equipment.
• Lead projects focused on cost reduction, material flow optimization, and process improvements, ensuring successful completion and evaluation of results.
• Analyze workforce utilization, facility layout, and operational data (e.g., production costs, process flows, and schedules) to optimize worker and equipment efficiency.
• Develop management systems for cost analysis, financial planning, wage evaluations, and job assessments.

Technical Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical field.
• Must have experience using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience.
• Experience in the food, beverage, dairy, or brewery industries is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively within a project team (core and extended teams).
• Ability to work in extreme heat or cold environments for extended periods.
• Strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, with hands-on experience working with equipment.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred; PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Ability to work in varying temperature environments, including extreme heat or cold.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Lean or Six Sigma Certification.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.