Engineering Project Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading and executing engineering initiatives that support manufacturing operations, automation improvements, and capital project deployment. This role manages cross‑functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to required performance standards. The Engineering Project Manager collaborates closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, and external vendors to drive innovation, improve reliability, and enhance production capabilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

Project Management & Execution

• Lead engineering projects from initial concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Coordinate internal teams and external vendors to ensure effective project execution.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including charters, risk assessments, timelines, and status reports.
• Ensure all projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Technical & Engineering Leadership

• Support equipment selection, system design, facility layout, and process integration for new or upgraded manufacturing technologies.
• Oversee FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning, and equipment validation activities.
• Provide engineering expertise to troubleshoot issues, evaluate technology options, and improve system performance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, maintenance, automation, quality, and product development teams to ensure project success.
• Facilitate communication between departments and ensure alignment on goals, deliverables, and timelines.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost‑effective execution.
• Develop capital project requests and present proposals to leadership.
• Maintain documentation, reports, and communication required for internal governance.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to identify cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Recommend innovative technologies or design approaches to improve manufacturing speed, cost, or reliability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.