As employees of a farmer-owned cooperative, we come to work every day trying to honor the tireless effort and care these farming families put in every day, all day, 365 days a year. Our farmer-owners tend to think in generations, with some of our farms being run by the same families for over a century. We carry this approach into our business, knowing that each and every one of us makes a difference in allowing these generational traditions to continue, taking pride in knowing that we nourish our friends, neighbors, nation, and even the world with healthy and delicious dairy products. Our products include milk, flavored milk, yogurt, dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian cheese, and ice cream mix marketed under the Upstate Farms^®, Bison^®, Milk for Life^®, and Intense Milk^® brands. 

Job Summary:

Our Engineering department is seeking a talented individual to join us as a Project Engineer to provide engineering support for the organization in planning, developing, and executing capital projects. Coordinating efforts of various internal and external resources will also be required. This individual will also be a key participant in our Continuous Improvement process as a member of CI teams and the execution of the outputs to move our organization forward. 

Key Responsibilities:

• This individual will report through Engineering and help ensure that we are focused on helping the plants move forward in People Safety, Food Safety, and Operational Efficiency, along with our Strategic Growth as an organization.

• Responsible for development and execution of the capital project budget and plans.
• Executes and provides oversight of project development and post approval project management.
• Expected to develop projects scope and create budgetary estimates.
• Collaborate with plant leaders/experts and contractors to improve processing systems and packaging systems.

• Responsible for ensuring any new or changes to existing processes is documented and drawings will be submitted for approval by NYS Ag. & Markets in collaboration with our Quality team.
• Responsible for assuring that all sanitary process equipment meets USDA/3A standards.
• Responsible for ensuring that all plant projects meet all Safety/OSHA standards. Support a safe work environment for all plant partners and contractors.
• Responsible for providing Engineering support to all plant process/project teams as needed.
• Ability to create maintenance, refrigeration, wastewater, and capital project budgets and be able to manage the project expenses within those budgets.
• Report on equipment/process operations and review performance and improvements with the Plant Manager.
• Collaborate with other plants and departments with focus on alignment of best practices and improvement.
• Responsible for the management of plant equipment installations.
• Responsible for coordinating with plant leadership on necessary downtime for project work.
• Responsible for Project Contractor Performance, Safety and Workmanship.
• Responsible for the upkeep of complete As-built Plant Drawings.
• Responsible for providing technical support to plant Maintenance/Supervision.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Support plant leadership in improving/meeting operating performance (meet objectives, goals, KPI’s, financial and improvement).
• Support to UNC plants will be expected regularly.

Knowledge & Skills - Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline with minimum 5-years in plant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years in a manufacturing environment with project management skills.

• Proven ability to successfully lead projects within scope to an on-time and on-budget conclusion.

• Good knowledge of PLC and computer automation theories (software and hardware).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Able to handle confidential or sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite and AutoCAD.

• Able to read, develop, and change schematic diagrams, equipment, and architectural drawings.
• Able to modify the layout of an equipment area to enhance its efficiency or accommodate new equipment.

• Communicate effectively through verbal and written means.
• Must be a culturally fit to our organization meeting our Core Values in Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Making a Difference, Safety, and Accountability.

 Preferred

• Dairy and/or food processing expertise, particularly in mixing & blending, retort operations, automatic packaging, system and equipment mechanics, and sanitation and safety.

Confidentiality

The Project Engineer is exposed to and entrusted with confidential information relative to production methods, customers, and company strategy.

Management Responsibility

The Project Engineer is an individual contributor role that operates under the general direction of the Engineering Manager.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, high speed and processing equipment; is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals; is frequently exposed to moderate to high noise levels in the work environment. Must be able to see, grasp hold, walk, climb, bend, and stretch, lift up to 40 lbs. Will spend significant time in the production environment where temperatures fluctuate, floors may be wet, and noise is a constant factor.

There is 50-70% travel expected in this role regionally.

Pay: $93,200 - $130,500 a year*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.