The Project Engineer is responsible for maximizing project efficiency and profitability by defining project specifications and executing projects through completion. This role develops scope and parameters for capital and packaging project design and implementation, supports packaging system design and validation, and manages key project elements including scope, schedule, budget, safety, and implementation. The Project Engineer works cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and other stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing and packaging solutions.
Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute capital and packaging projects by organizing and controlling project scope, schedule, budget, safety, and implementation.
- Research, specify, and analyze processing and packaging equipment to improve manufacturing effectiveness, reliability, and efficiency.
- Develop expertise in highly automated food processing and packaging equipment, including conveyors, mixers, ovens, wrappers, cartoners, case packers, and related systems.
- Partner with Maintenance and Plant Engineers to troubleshoot automated production lines, reduce downtime, and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process optimization in partnership with cross-functional teams.
- Develop expertise in manufacturing processes for assigned product families, including packaging formats, materials, line setup, changeovers, and optimization.
- Define project responsibilities by identifying project phases and elements, assigning resources, and reviewing contractor bids.
- Develop and manage project schedules by reviewing project plans and specifications, calculating time requirements, and sequencing project activities.
- Manage schedules and deliverables for internal and external contributors, contractors, and consultants in alignment with customer contracts, budgets, and production schedules.
- Determine technical specifications based on product design, packaging requirements, customer requirements, and performance standards.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders and cross-functional team members, including providing project status updates to executive leadership.
- Prepare and present project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing project information, trends, risks, and recommended actions.
- Support new product launches, packaging changes, and process improvements by identifying solutions that reduce costs and increase production efficiency.
- Monitor project progress, identify risks or issues, and resolve problems to maintain established schedules.
- Control project costs by approving expenditures and administering contractor agreements within established project requirements.
- Contribute to overall Engineering team objectives by executing projects to established standards and delivering measurable results.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, or a related technical discipline.
- 2–7 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within food and beverage manufacturing, with exposure to packaging engineering or capital project execution.
- Strong knowledge of engineering concepts, including electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of packaging systems, equipment, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, understand cross-functional impacts, and implement effective solutions.
- Strong project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deliverables, and adapt to changing requirements.
- Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently while maintaining accountability for project results.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and 5S preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD.
- Experience with project management tools required; familiarity with packaging design tools such as TOPS Pro preferred.
Tandem Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law