Project Engineer - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Who Is Café Valley
Since 1987, Cafe Valley has been baking smiles one cupcake, muffin, cake, and croissant at a time—putting care and craftsmanship into every product we make. Our people are the heart of our success. We’re committed to fostering a positive, team-focused workplace where collaboration, innovation, and respect are part of everyday operations—because the best baked goods come from people who love what they do. Our employees are our special ingredient. With more than 1,700 team members baking a difference every day, we operate state-of-the-art production facilities in Phoenix, AZ and Marion, IN, where quality, safety, and teamwork rise together.

What You’ll Enjoy

• Competitive base salary and bonus incentive
• Paid time off programs
• Comprehensive benefit offering including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and ancillary programs
• Working with a great team of dedicated professionals focused on a common mission

Who You Are
The Project Engineer is responsible for managing capital and improvement projects that support bakery manufacturing operations. This role leads projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring equipment and facility improvements are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The Project Engineer collaborates closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and external vendors to implement solutions that improve production efficiency, equipment reliability, and product quality. The position also ensures all projects meet food safety, regulatory, and company standards.

Where You Will Work

• 1 opening in Phoenix, AZ
• 1 opening in Marion, IN
• Relocation assistance provided

Responsibilities Essential Duties

• Manage capital and improvement projects from concept development through commissioning and project closeout, ensuring delivery on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with safety and food safety requirements.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, cost estimates, and implementation plans, and track progress to ensure successful project execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, quality, sanitation, and leadership to support project planning and implementation.
• Lead installation, startup, and integration of production equipment and facility improvements within the bakery manufacturing environment.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage equipment vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers to ensure work is completed safely and according to project specifications.
• Support the development of capital expenditure requests and provide cost justifications and budget oversight for assigned projects.
• Collaborate with plant operations and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and support troubleshooting of technical issues.
• Ensure new equipment, processes, and facility improvements meet company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and food safety and sanitation standards.
• Oversee contractor work and ensure safe execution of construction, installation, and commissioning activities within the facility.
• Ensure proper documentation, training, and handoff of equipment and systems to operations and maintenance teams following project completion.
• Others duties as assigned by management.

Required Skills Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 5 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, preferably food or consumer packaged goods.
• Experience managing capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment installation and facility improvements.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple capital projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and equipment, including production lines, packaging systems, and sanitary equipment design.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, quality, and external vendors.
• Understanding of safety, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to support engineering solutions and project implementation.

Cafe Valley is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.