Project Engineer

The Project Engineer plans, organizes and leads projects to meet company objectives for design, new product development and improvement of existing production processes by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or Industrial engineering or engineering technology degrees will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of engineering experience is required. 

JOB DUTIES:

• Oversees key projects, processes and performance reports, data and analysis.
• Works closely with plant leadership to complete projects from start to finish.
• Selects, develops, trains and supervises staff.
• In collaboration with the Engineering Manager and Director of Engineering, provides input into Essentia Engineering policies, procedures and programs.
• Selects correct design concepts and fundamental technology used for new products or improvement for existing ones.
• In collaboration with the Engineering Manager, leads Engineering projects by putting together timeline, getting quotes, and overseeing project until completion.
• Complete ROI once project is completed and data collected.
• Approves and submits proposals to management for consideration.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring projects such as preparation of records of expenditures and research findings, progress reports, and staff conferences to inform management of current status of each project.
• Directs preparation of accounting records for Engineering budgets and project expenditures.
• Collaborate during budgeting process with plant and Engineering team.
• Recommends budgets to management, including staff use, technology, facility and equipment requirements or improvements.
• Negotiates contracts with outside engineering firms and contractors to perform research or other applicable studies or support.
• Provide oversight to outside engineering firms and consultants as necessary to ensure accurate and proper engineering designs.
• Directly manage and implement key projects from design to development, as well as providing onsite presence in the field during those projects.
• Drive continuous improvement to overall quality, efficiency, processes and cost reduction initiatives by collaborating with Essentia facilities.
• Provide regular updates to Essentia team regarding the status of projects.
• Promote inter-plant collaboration by providing engineering support on an as-needed basis, developing and distributing a monthly project status report, and following up with facility team leaders on cost reduction/process improvement ideas.
• Analyze product or equipment specifications and performance requirements to determine design, which can be produced by existing manufacturing or processing facilities and methods.
• Analyze engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data pertaining to industrial machinery and equipment design.
• Determines feasibility of designing new processes or modifying existing processes considering costs, available space, time limitations, company planning, and other technical and economic factors.
• Provides technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations which affect long range plant and product engineering planning.
• Promote safety and a safe working environment in all areas of operation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of industrial engineering practices/principles and drafting to solve specific problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to lead people.
• Advanced knowledge of organizational methods and the ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously while prioritizing work effectively with minimum supervision or direction.
• Advanced knowledge of unit operation design, installation, and operation with an emphasis on troubleshooting. Unit operations may include a variety of liquid pumps, dryers, powder transfer (and pneumatic) equipment, heat exchangers, liquid separation equipment, and membrane filtration systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing costs associated with implementing engineering designs and equipment and the ability to prepare written reports.
• Knowledge of mechanical measurements, instrumentation skills along with mathematical, chemical, and cost analysis when necessary in the performance of duties.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to all duties and responsibilities, such as the proprietary information of vendors and customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to employees, contractors, vendors, suppliers, customers, and other business related contacts.
• Ability to develop, analyze, modify and implement engineering methods and procedures.
• Ability to prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents.
• Ability to maintain accurate and up to date project design files and drawings, and identifying and correcting safety, ergonomic, and operational problems through proper design of equipment.
• Knowledge of regulations and codes involving electrical, construction, NFPA, OSHA, EPA, air quality as well as food safety, GMP and HAACP.
• Knowledge of electrical controls and power distribution, pneumatics, pumps, hydraulics, heat transfer and pressure applied theory.
• Ability to modify and adapt equipment/machinery to advance product processes from theory to application.
• Ability to organize and plan efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
• Ability to participate in professional development classes as needed.
• Ability to work daily and extended hours as necessary.
• Ability to travel (30-40%) and change schedule as required.