The Project Engineer is responsible for leading capital and expense projects that support safety, quality, capacity, and cost improvement within a cosmetics and personal care manufacturing environment. This role partners cross-functionally with internal teams, customers, and vendors to deliver equipment, process, and facility solutions from business case development through commissioning and handover, ensuring compliance with cosmetic GMPs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements in a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the role; other duties may be assigned.
- Lead capital (CAPEX) and expense projects from concept through commissioning and operational handover for Make, Fill, and Packaging operations
- Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to define technical, quality, and operational requirements for new and existing products
- Develop project scope, schedules, budgets, KPIs, and ROI-based business cases aligned with site and enterprise priorities
- Partner with pricing and finance teams to develop tooling, equipment, and labor cost estimates (LSC)
- Work with OEMs, integrators, and contractors to define equipment specifications, installation requirements, and commissioning plans
- Oversee installation and modification of mixers, tanks, bulk handling systems, filling lines, packaging equipment, and supporting utilities
- Ensure all equipment and process designs meet cosmetic GMPs, hygiene, cleanability, safety, and changeover requirements
- Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support line trials, process validation, and performance qualification
- Lead and execute FAT/SAT, installation, startup, and line trials for new products and product changes
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through structured problem solving and root cause analysis
- Communicate project status, risks, and resource needs to cross-functional leadership and stakeholders
- Participate in audits, inspections, and regulatory or insurance reviews as required
- COMPETENCIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Project management and execution
- Requirements analysis and technical problem solving
- Presenting and communicating technical information
- Strong quality and compliance focus
- Financial and business acumen
- Vendor and stakeholder management
- Technical curiosity and continuous improvement mindset
- Working knowledge of manufacturing systems and equipment
- Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen
- SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may lead cross-functional project teams and contractors.
- WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts
- Occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles
- Noise level is typically moderate
- On-site support across multiple shifts may be required, including occasional weekends or holidays
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, and communicate
- Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
- Occasionally required to sit
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
- Full-time position
- Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per day
- TRAVEL
- Minimal travel expected
- REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in project or plant engineering within cosmetics, personal care, FMCG, food, or other regulated manufacturing environments
- Proven experience delivering capital projects involving process equipment, filling/packaging lines, utilities, and facility systems
- Working knowledge of cosmetic GMPs, hygiene design, and validation expectations
- Strong computer skills and experience working cross-functionally with customers and internal teams
- PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
Language Skills
- Ability to read, write, and comprehend technical documents, procedures, and correspondence
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings
- Bilingual skills are a plus
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to perform arithmetic, compute rates, ratios, and percentages
- Ability to interpret data, charts, and graphs
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, or diagrammed instructions
- Ability to manage multiple variables and prioritize in a manufacturing environment
- ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency in English language structure, grammar, and technical communication
Job Posted by ApplicantPro
