Senior Project Engineer

Technical Engineering Leadership Opportunity

This is an exciting technical engineering leadership opportunity within the US's largest low acid aseptic beverage co-manufacturing operation. This position will lead engineering functions, technical excellence, and capital projects within a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation serving leading global food & beverage companies, producing products including almond milk, smoothies, RTD protein shakes, and coffee creamers. Responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex, strategic cross-functional engineering projects for new product launches, process scale-up, and packaging systems optimization within a low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing operation.
• Applying process engineering expertise in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including thermal processing, CIP, ESL, and filling technologies for TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Overseeing $3–$10M capital projects including new construction, equipment upgrades, equipment installations, and full manufacturing line installations for beverage manufacturing processes, thermal processing, CIP, ESL, TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch filling lines.
• Managing capital project planning and execution, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of high-impact initiatives supporting business growth.
• Leading and designing project budgets, schedules, construction, commissioning, and project takeover activities.
• Overseeing capital projects for packaging systems including robotics and automation systems for palletizers.
• Leading and managing engineers, contractors, and external vendors.
• Partnering with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to implement best-in-class engineering solutions aligned with cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and OSHA standards.
• Providing cGMP documentation, writing SOPs, and developing PFDs and P&IDs, equipment and piping layouts, and process and equipment specifications for bids.
• Managing budgets, forecasts, and long-term engineering master plans while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Developing, mentoring, and coaching engineering talent to build a world-class technical organization.

Desired Skills & Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering field. MBA a plus.
• 7+ years of engineering experience within an FDA-regulated facility such as food and beverage, dairy, nutritional products, infant formula, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Process engineering experience in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including products such as smoothies, protein drinks, and almond milk, is strongly preferred.
• Capital project engineering experience leading $3–$10M projects, with demonstrated success in facility, utility, processing, filling, and packaging line installations including TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Demonstrated expertise in aseptic processing, thermal processing, and packaging technologies including TetraPak, Combi, and ESL systems.
• Food safety experience working within FDA, GMP, and HACCP compliance frameworks.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 Steuben Foods is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.