Senior Project Engineer

The Senior Project Engineer at our Conway, Arkansas RTD (Ready-to-Drink) facility will lead and execute complex capital and mechanical engineering projects from concept through implementation. This role combines deep technical knowledge with strong project management capabilities to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that support manufacturing excellence. The ideal candidate will manage multiple concurrent projects, collaborate across departments, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Job Duties: Project Management & Execution

• Lead full lifecycle of capital and mechanical engineering projects: scope, budget, schedule, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Conduct site audits and facility surveys to document existing conditions and develop as-built, conceptual, and construction drawings.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Prepare RFQ/RFP packages, evaluate vendor and contractor bids, and coordinate selection and onboarding.
• Oversee on-site construction, installation, and start-up activities, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Technical Engineering & Design

• Design and perform calculations for mechanical systems including ammonia refrigeration, glycol, CO, nitrogen, steam, compressed air, and water treatment.
• Lead development and continuous improvement of system design standards and engineering documentation.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and support to production, maintenance, and operations teams.
• Offer engineering consultation based on sound mechanical and process engineering principles.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Finance to align engineering projects with business goals.
• Maintain strong communication with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and contractors.
• Support annual capital planning and contribute to long-term strategic engineering initiatives.

Leadership & Training

• Mentor and train junior engineers.
• Develop and implement training programs, engineering standards, and best practices.
• Assist in maintaining and improving company-wide engineering procedures and documentation systems

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in mechanical or project engineering within a manufacturing or high-speed packaging environment.
• Proven experience managing large-scale capital projects in a continuous manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in MS Project, AutoCAD, and MS Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, utilities, and equipment sizing.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing regulatory requirements (GMPs, OSHA, EPA).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• May supervise junior engineers and coordinate on-site contractor and vendor activities.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet internal standards and client expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled