The Lead Engineer, Vertical Start-Up (VSU) - North America is responsible for driving the successful deployment and execution of the CPS Global Vertical Start-Up (VSU) framework across manufacturing facilities in North America. This role serves as the regional subject matter expert for VSU, ensuring that designated projects of around 30-40 MM USD in total per year, achieve operational readiness, successful qualification, accelerated ramp-up, and sustainable operational performance.
The position partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, EHS, Project Management, Automation, contractors, and equipment suppliers to ensure that people, processes, systems, and equipment are fully prepared for startup and operational handover.
As an individual contributor, the role requires exceptional cross-functional leadership and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. Success will be measured not only by project startup performance but also by the broader adoption and consistent application of VSU principles and practices throughout CPS North America.
Key duties/responsibilities:
VSU Program Leadership
Serve as the North America focal point for implementation of the CPS Global Vertical Start-Up framework.
Promote consistent execution of VSU methodologies across Atlanta and Cidra manufacturing facilities.
Guide project teams through VSU requirements, stage gates, readiness assessments, qualification activities, and operational handover processes.
Ensure designated VSU projects comply with global standards, governance requirements, and startup expectations.
Facilitate lessons learned and best-practice sharing across facilities and project teams.
Operational Readiness
Drive readiness activities related to people, processes, systems, documentation, and equipment prior to startup.
Coordinate readiness assessments and support go/no-go decision-making processes.
Ensure completion of training plans, qualification requirements, operating procedures, maintenance plans, and critical startup documentation.
Verify operational teams are prepared to safely and effectively support qualification and startup activities.
Support development and execution of startup readiness checklists and action plans.
Commissioning, Qualification and Verification (CQV)
Support and coordinate startup activities from commissioning through stable operations.
Lead planning and execution of Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) activities.
Ensure qualification protocols, acceptance criteria, and documentation meet applicable engineering, quality, and operational requirements.
Incorporate FAT and SAT learnings into startup and qualification execution plans.
Monitor and track qualification progress, deviations, corrective actions, and closure activities.
Performance Ramp-Up and Stabilization
Support rapid achievement of operational targets following startup.
Drive structured problem-solving efforts to address startup losses, equipment instability, process variability, and performance gaps.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve throughput, quality, reliability, and OEE performance.
Support process capability studies and validation activities as required.
Facilitate implementation of early loss elimination and continuous improvement initiatives during startup stabilization.
Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
Build strong collaborative relationships across multiple functions and facilities.
Influence project teams, site leadership, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and operations personnel to achieve startup objectives.
Provide clear communication regarding startup readiness, qualification progress, risks, issues, and mitigation plans.
Escalate critical startup risks and barriers when needed to maintain project objectives and timelines.
Support leadership reviews and startup governance meetings.
Capability Building and Knowledge Transfer
Coach project and plant teams on CPS VSU principles, processes, and expectations.
Strengthen organizational capability and awareness related to startup excellence and operational readiness.
Support development and delivery of VSU training and learning materials.
Ensure effective transfer of knowledge from project teams to site operations and maintenance organizations.
Promote a culture of startup excellence, continuous learning, and operational ownership.
Job Requirements/Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline required.
Master's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or Business Management preferred.
5+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations, capital projects, startup, commissioning, or related technical roles.
Fluent English & Spanish.
Technical skills and certification
- Vertical Start-Up Methodologies
- Commissioning, Qualification and Verification (CQV)
- IQ/OQ/PQ Execution
- FAT/SAT Processes
- Manufacturing Operations
- Operational Readiness
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Root Cause Analysis and Structured Problem Solving
- Process Capability and Process Validation
- OEE and Manufacturing Performance Metrics
- Maintenance Readiness
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management
- SOP Development and Training Systems
- Reading Engineering Drawings, P&IDs and Process Flow Diagrams
Location(s):
Puerto Rico
City/Cities:
Cidra
Travel Required:
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided:
No
Job Posting End Date:
August 25, 2026
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:15
Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.
