Project Engineer -Food Manufacturing

Position Summary:

Position Title:                        Project Engineer- (Food/Pet Food Manufacturing)

Department:                         Operations

Classification:                       Exempt

Reports To:                            Chief Operating Officer

Location:                               Salem, Oregon with 25% travel

BrightPet is a leading consumer brand and manufacturing company in the pet and companion animal industry. BrightPet pioneers a portfolio of widely recognized leading consumer brands, including Stewart®, Bravo®, Blackwood®, Adirondack®, By Nature®, Miracle Care® and Hamilton® with holistic, natural, and organic solutions. The Stewart brand boasts the number one market share for freeze dried raw treats on all major digital retailers. Blackwood is exported to more than a dozen countries. BrightPet owns five manufacturing facilities and has unparalleled manufacturing capabilities in the pet industry. BrightPet is on an aggressive growth trajectory and has completed an expansion at four of the five manufacturing facilities in the last three years. This increased volume and expanded capabilities have allowed BrightPet to set new record revenue every year for eight straight years.

 Position Justification:

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer with a background in food or pet food manufacturing to lead and execute capital investment projects from inception to completion. This role will focus on facility expansions, equipment installations, process improvements, and automation initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, capital project execution, and stakeholder coordination in a food-grade or pet food production environment.

Core Duties:

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage capital project plans, including scope, budget, timeline, and resource allocation.
• Ensure projects align with business goals, safety regulations, and food/pet food industry standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA, SQF, GMP).
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for potential projects.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Prepare capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests and track project costs to stay within budget.
• Work with finance teams to manage cash flow forecasting and cost analysis.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, contractors, and suppliers to optimize costs and service quality.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, quality assurance, maintenance, and procurement.
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensure minimal production disruption by effectively planning and scheduling project activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all projects adhere to food safety, sanitation, and environmental regulations.
• Work with EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) teams to implement safe construction and installation practices.
• Manage compliance documentation and oversee inspections as required.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Evaluate and select equipment suppliers, construction firms, and engineering partners.
• Oversee contractor work, ensuring compliance with specifications, safety, and timelines.
• Develop strong relationships with external partners to facilitate future projects.

Essential for Success:

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Food Science, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and Skills Requirements:

• 5 years of project management experience in a food or pet food manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of managing capital projects ($500K in scope) within manufacturing facilities.
• Strong knowledge of processing equipment, packaging lines, utilities (HVAC, boilers, refrigeration), and automation.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA, AAFCO, FSMA, OSHA
• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, SAP, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• PMP Certification or equivalent project management training
• Experience with LEAN manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Background with thermal processing, extrusion, or wet/dry pet food production
• Familiarity with PLC controls, SCADA systems, and automation projects.

Work Environment:

Manufacturing environment. Performance in this position will require exposure to the manufacturing areas where the use of personal protection equipment will be required. Floors may be wet and slippery when in the manufacturing area and you will be exposed to temperatures around 40 degrees when on the manufacturing floor. Primary office environment is ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

Required Competency:

•         Leadership

•         Strategic Thinking

•         Acute Analytical Skills

•         Decision Making/Judgment

•         Working Manager/Digging In

•         High Energy/Passionate

•         Approachable

•         Humble/Low Ego

•         Character/Integrity

•         Business Acumen

•         Teambuilding & Collaboration

•         Coaching & Mentoring

•         Focused on Continuous Improvement

•         Inquisitive/Growth Mindset

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.