Project Engineer

Project Engineer

Position Summary

The Project Engineer is responsible for managing the design, implementation, optimization, and execution of capital projects, manufacturing equipment installations, facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives across all U.S. SOPREMA Group manufacturing sites. This role serves as a technical resource to operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, and facilities teams, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with operational requirements.

The Project Engineer will lead projects from concept through startup, including project justification, equipment design, supplier selection, installation, commissioning, training, and ongoing support. This position requires strong mechanical engineering expertise, project management skills, and the ability to work effectively across multiple facilities and disciplines.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Project Development & Planning

• Research, evaluate, and identify new processes, technologies, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Develop project concepts, scope definitions, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Prepare project justification documentation, including return-on-investment (ROI) analyses and capital expenditure requests.
• Create and manage project approval documentation in accordance with company requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop relationships with suppliers, contractors, engineering firms, and external partners.

Engineering Design & Technical Support

• Develop, review, and oversee equipment, process, and facility designs.
• Create and manage engineering drawings, layouts, and 3D models using CAD software.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations, maintenance, facilities, and quality departments.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles, including:
• Thermodynamics
• Heat transfer
• Fluid dynamics
• Strength of materials
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex manufacturing and equipment-related issues.

Project Execution & Management

• Manage capital projects from conception through implementation and startup.
• Control project costs and ensure completion within approved budget and schedule parameters.
• Coordinate supplier, contractor, and internal resources throughout project execution.
• Manage equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and performance validation activities.
• Ensure equipment and systems meet project objectives, operational requirements, and safety standards.
• Provide regular project status updates and presentations to management and stakeholders.
• Work proactively to achieve all project goals, deliverables, and performance expectations.

Manufacturing & Operational Support

• Serve as a technical resource for all U.S. SOPREMA manufacturing facilities.
• Support maintenance and facilities teams with engineering-related projects and technical challenges.
• Assist manufacturing sites with testing new materials, products, or processes on production equipment.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain manufacturing and quality standards while supporting new product development.
• Participate in operator and maintenance training programs related to newly installed equipment and processes.
• Provide hands-on support during equipment startup and operational optimization.

Continuous Improvement & Best Practices

• Share best practices related to equipment, manufacturing processes, suppliers, and technology across all SOPREMA facilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, productivity, safety, and product quality.
• Support standardization efforts across manufacturing locations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance and reduce costs.

Construction & Facility Expansion Projects

• Collaborate with the Engineering Team on new construction, plant expansion, and infrastructure projects.
• Provide engineering oversight and support for existing manufacturing facilities.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and external engineering firms during facility development projects.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable design, safety, and operational standards.

Additional Duties

Perform other duties as assigned by management, including but not limited to:

• Supporting Maintenance and Facilities departments with engineering services and technical resources.
• Assisting other SOPREMA plants with product and material testing activities.
• Supporting Quality and Operations teams with manufacturing improvements and product development initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience designing and developing manufacturing equipment, systems, and processes.
• Experience managing capital projects in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities preferred.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment design experience.
• Knowledge of machine automation systems.
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, flow controls, and vessel design.
• Understanding of PLC controls and industrial automation systems.
• Knowledge of ROI evaluation and capital project justification methodologies.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing operations and quality systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within roofing membrane, foam board insulation, PVC, or related manufacturing industries.
• Experience with PLC programming and automation code development.
• Experience with process manufacturing equipment and continuous production environments.

Competencies

• Project Management
• Engineering Design and Analysis
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Operational Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking
• Budget and Cost Management
• Vendor and Contractor Management
• Effective Communication and Presentation Skills
• Interpersonal and Negotiation Skills
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Adaptability and Change Management
• Time Management and Multi-Tasking

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 45% travel within SOPREMA Group manufacturing facilities.
• Occasional international travel required for project meetings, supplier visits, and engineering activities.
• Ability to travel by automobile, train, and commercial aircraft.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Regular exposure to manufacturing and industrial environments with varying levels of noise, temperature, dust, and other environmental conditions.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking throughout manufacturing facilities and project sites.
• Ability to safely work around operating machinery and process equipment.
• May be required to perform limited physical activities, including lifting materials, handling product samples, and assisting with production-related activities during testing or startup events.
• Frequent visits to machine suppliers, engineering firms, contractors, and manufacturing facilities.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Valid Passport with the ability to travel internationally.