Capital Project Engineer

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Full Time Ovid, MI, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1630

About Us:

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative known for producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products. Established in 1916, MMPA markets 5 billion pounds of milk annually and is the ninth largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, serving members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. At MMPA, commitment to milk quality begins on the farm and extends through five processing facilities and wholly owned subsidiary brands, Superior Dairy and Heritage Ridge Creamery. With seven sites across Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, MMPA continues to shape the future of the dairy industry through innovation, product diversification and strategic growth while returning value to its member-owners.

Why you’ll love working here:

• Health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement including 401k with employer contributions
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Employee feedback and suggestion forums

Position Summary

The Capital Project Engineer is based at MMPA's Ovid manufacturing facility and is responsible for developing and delivering capital projects that protect plant integrity, sustain and increase throughput, and build the manufacturing capability required for future growth. This role leads assigned capital projects from concept through commissioning and turnover, working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental, and Operational Technology/Automation teams to ensure projects are successfully executed and deliver lasting value to the organization.

Responsibilities and Duties

Capital Planning and Project Development

• Partner with plant leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, and Maintenance to identify capital investment opportunities that improve reliability, capacity, throughput, safety, and operational performance.
• Develop project scopes, conceptual designs, technical alternatives, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Support development of annual and long-range capital plans.
• Identify opportunities to modernize equipment and infrastructure, eliminate production constraints, and improve manufacturing capabilities.
• Prepare technical documentation and business cases for capital project approval.

Capital Project Execution

• Lead capital projects from approved scope through completion.
• Manage engineering consultants, contractors, vendors, and equipment suppliers.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, forecasts, and progress reports.
• Coordinate construction and installation activities while minimizing disruption to ongoing production.
• Manage project scope, technical changes, risks, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to translate manufacturing needs and performance objectives into capital solutions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure equipment is reliable, maintainable, and effectively integrated into maintenance systems.
• Engage Operations teams throughout project planning, execution, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate with Automation and OT teams on projects involving controls, SCADA systems, automation, and plant networks.
• Incorporate applicable food safety, quality, environmental, and safety requirements into project designs.

Commissioning and Project Turnover

• Lead equipment commissioning, startup, and performance verification activities.
• Establish and validate project acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate training for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Support Management of Change (MOC) requirements and documentation.
• Ensure turnover packages include drawings, manuals, asset information, and other required documentation.
• Complete project closeout activities and capture lessons learned.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of engineering and/or capital project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
• Experience working with contractors, vendors, engineering consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Strong understanding of industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, and project management principles.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with project estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and financial control.
• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food, dairy, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing experience.
• Experience with high-volume processing or packaging operations.
• Experience with industrial utilities, facility infrastructure, automation, or controls systems.
• Familiarity with food safety programs such as SQF.
• Experience with Management of Change (MOC) processes.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Project Leadership and Execution
• Technical and Engineering Expertise
• Strategic Planning and Prioritization
• Financial and Budget Management
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Accountability and Results Orientation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments.
• Ability to move throughout production areas, utility spaces, and active project sites.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms as needed.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry project-related materials or equipment.
• Ability to support project activities outside of normal business hours when required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.

MMPA is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees as one of our top priorities. As part of our commitment to your well-being and workplace safety, all applicants are required to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process.

We are not accepting unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or résumés from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies for this position.