Project Engineering Manager
Location: Tar Heel, North Carolina
Salary: $125K - $155K plus bonus
Lead transformational capital projects in the food industry while developing a high-performing engineering team and driving operational excellence.
Must-Haves
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year institution plus 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 2+ years of leadership experience including team development and management
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
- Willingness to travel 50% of the time to other locations
Technical Expertise:
- Project Management skills with demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables
- Contract Administration skills including bid package review and vendor management
- Strong understanding of national codes and standards
- Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
- Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design challenges
- Proficiency in engineering economics
Core Competencies:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities
- Organizational planning and adaptability
- Proven ability to build strong working relationships in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented leadership style
What You'll Do
Design & Development:
- Develop engineering designs, material specifications, and comprehensive project cost estimates
- Conduct feasibility studies and economic analyses to validate design decisions
- Ensure all designs meet required standards and codes, then validate field work and create as-built drawings
- Review engineering submissions for accuracy and completeness
Project Execution & Management:
- Direct and manage vendors and contractors throughout project execution
- Coordinate complex project schedules across plant personnel, vendors, and contractors
- Monitor installations to ensure specifications are met and projects stay within budget
- Submit regular status reports to management on project progress and performance
Collaboration & Planning:
- Partner with management and cross-functional engineering teams to implement strategic plans
- Collaborate with vendors and contractors to optimize layouts and meet utility requirements
- Define scope of work, prepare proposals, and evaluate contractor submissions
- Conduct thorough planning and reviews during pre-project phases
Documentation & Oversight:
- Maintain comprehensive documentation including manuals, drawings, specifications, and vendor contacts
- Prepare critical project documents such as budget analyses, project plans, and schedules
- Review consultant work and recommend adjustments to optimize outcomes
- Manage contract administration and review bid packages for compliance
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience managing multi-million-dollar projects with large, complex scopes
- Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry
Why This Role Matters
As a Project Engineering Manager, you'll take ownership of high-impact capital projects that directly improve operations and drive business results. You'll have the opportunity to mentor and develop engineering talent while solving complex technical challenges in a mission-critical industry. This role offers the perfect blend of hands-on technical work, strategic planning, and leadership development.
