Senior Project Engineer, Manufacturing

Position Summary:Calbee America is seeking a Senior Project Engineer, Manufacturing to lead the development and execution of capital and improvement projects that support our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for managing projects related to production equipment, automation, packaging lines, facilities, utilities, and infrastructure upgrades that improve safety, quality, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role will manage projects from concept through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and operational handoff. The Senior Project Engineer will partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, R&D, Finance, Procurement, and external vendors to ensure projects are executed safely, on time, and within budget.This position requires strong technical fundamentals, project leadership, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Responsibilities:Capital Project Management:Lead capital and expense projects from concept through implementation and startup.Develop project scope, budgets, timelines, and resource plans to support project approvals and successful execution.Manage project schedules, costs, forecasts, and change controls to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.Engineering & Technical Execution:Support equipment selection, process design, automation, and manufacturing system improvements.Develop equipment specifications, installation plans, and contractor bid packages.Review engineering designs and ensure projects meet operational and technical requirements.Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and capacity.Construction, Installation & Startup:Oversee equipment installation, contractor activities, and field execution.Coordinate plant downtime and installation schedules with Operations and Maintenance teams.Lead equipment commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and project closeout activities.Ensure proper training, documentation, and handoff to plant teams after project completion.Cross Functional Collaboration:Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, R&D, Finance, and Procurement to align project objectives.Provide regular project updates, cost tracking, and progress reporting to leadership.Support Calbee's project approval process and stage-gate requirements for capital investments.Safety & Compliance:Ensure projects comply with safety, food safety, quality, GMP, and environmental standards.Incorporate machine safety, contractor safety, and sanitary design principles into project execution.Promote safe installation practices and operational readiness in a food manufacturing environment.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering discipline.7+ years of engineering or capital project experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods.Experience managing projects involving equipment installation, packaging lines, automation, utilities, or facility improvements.Demonstrated ability to lead capital projects from concept through installation & start-up.Experience working with vendors, contractors, consultants, and cross-functional plant teams.Strong project management skills including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and execution oversight.Knowledge of manufacturing safety, GMP, food safety, and quality requirements.Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.Effective communication and collaboration skills across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Willingness to travel up to 10-30% to support project implementation at manufacturing sites and supplier locations.PMP or similar project management certification preferred.Location & Travel:This position will be based in Fairfield, CA or Madera, CA with 10-20% travel to Calbee manufacturing sites, vendors, and equipment suppliers as required.Calbee North America is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status or any other legally protected status.

Created: 2026-04-02