Project Engineer

The role

The Project Engineer plans, coordinates, and executes engineering projects within a large-scale food manufacturing facility. This role manages equipment installations, process improvements, and facility modifications while working with cross-functional teams and external contractors.

What you will do

• Lead engineering projects from concept through design, procurement, installation, and closeout.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and capital expenditure estimates.
• Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Manage contractors, engineering consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Coordinate equipment installation and commissioning while minimizing production disruption.
• Ensure projects comply with building codes, environmental regulations, and food safety standards.
• Incorporate hygienic design principles into equipment and facility modifications.
• Track project costs, schedules, risks, and change orders.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for production and equipment issues.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• BA/BS Engineering and 5 years related experience or 10 years related experience in bakery plant engineering position.
• 3+ years of engineering or project engineering experience.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, industrial processes, and facility systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and equipment documentation.
• Strong project management, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, vendors, and plant leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong engineering skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent planning/organizational skills.
• Able to read and draw electrical schematics (line).

Nice to have

• Experience in a high-volume food or beverage manufacturing facility.
• Experience with capital projects and CAPEX budgeting.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, hygienic design, and food safety requirements.
• Experience with automated production and packaging equipment.
• Familiarity with PLCs, industrial controls, robotics, or manufacturing automation.
• Experience with CAD and project management software.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous-improvement experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.

About the company

J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include brands such as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin’ Dots.