Capital Project Engineer

Responsibilities:

? Strategic Leadership:

o Develop and execute a long-term engineering roadmap aligned with the companys growth strategy and operational priorities.

o Champion initiatives that improve plant safety, product quality, capacity, and performance across multiple lines or locations.

? Capital Projects & Technical Execution:

o Lead the planning and execution of CAPEX projectsfrom scope development through commissioningensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

o Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure project performance, safety, and compliance.

o Own engineering budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and strong return on investment.

? Engineering Operations:

o Design and optimize production systems, equipment layouts, and utilities to improve throughput and reduce downtime.

o Partner with maintenance, operations, and quality teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and sustainably.

o Research and introduce new technologies and automation that enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety.

? Compliance & Standards

o Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable regulations (e.g., FDA, SQF, OSHA) and internal quality and safety standards.

o Maintain rigorous documentation practices for projects, validations, and process changes.

? Team Leadership & Talent Development:

o Build and lead a high-performing engineering team, including internal staff and external consultants/contractors.

o Coach and develop engineering talent while fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and collaboration.

o Participate in engineering recruitment and ensure alignment with company values and capabilities.

? Continuous Improvement:

o Lead plant-wide improvement initiatives focused on uptime, yield, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

o Stay current on emerging trends in food manufacturing, engineering technology, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

? Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related Engineering field required; Masters degree preferred.

? 10+ years of engineering experience in food or CPG manufacturing, including 5+ years in a leadership role.

? Proven track record leading plant engineering functions and delivering complex capital projects.

? Strong knowledge of utilities (steam, compressed air, refrigeration, water), equipment automation, and process design.

? Familiarity with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma) and TPM methodology.

? Deep understanding of industry regulations and standards (FDA, SQF, OSHA, etc.).

? Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

? Proficiency in both English and Spanish preferred.