Project Engineer

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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Central Valley Cheese, Inc. subsidiary of Karoun Dairies, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Project Engineer based in Turlock, CA.

As a Project Engineer , the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited managing and directing capital engineering projects of varying size and scope throughout the project life cycle from concept to completion. This includes scope development, cost estimate preparation, facility layout & design, engineering and design of process equipment, specifications, procurement, as well as overseeing project installation and commissioning. The role focuses on ensuring the technical and engineering integrity of projects, driving innovation and efficiency in design and execution.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Capital Budget Management: Collaborate with facility staff to develop and submit capital appropriation requests for management approval, ensuring alignment with engineering standards and objectives.
• Project Engineering and Management: Lead the development of project scopes, preliminary budgets, detailed cost estimates, equipment specifications, drawings, and bid documents. Manage engineering projects with internal and external resources to ensure they meet engineering requirements, quality standards, and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Design and Development Oversight: Ensure that project designs meet all engineering criteria and deliver project objectives effectively and efficiently. Oversee the creation of detailed engineering documents including studies, calculations, drawings, plans and specifications.
• Vendor Coordination: Work with equipment vendors to obtain and evaluate competitive proposals. Prepare purchase requisitions, review project-related engineering documentation for code compliance, and schedule equipment deliveries to meet project timelines.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure that all equipment and construction adhere to relevant safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including FDA, BRC, OSHA, and EPA requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with Finance, Operations, R&D, IT, Quality, Sanitation, Health & Safety, Legal, and other departments to integrate engineering solutions into broader company initiatives.
• Field Installation and Commissioning: Oversee contractors and manage the field installation of processing systems. Ensure that equipment and workmanship meet or exceed project requirements, prepare reports, and manage change orders from start-up through commissioning.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests or Pre-Delivery Inspections at suppliers' sites as needed. Coordinate equipment start-up, commissioning, and training to ensure optimal performance.
• Safety Leadership: Promote and support safety protocols for contractors and team members on all projects.
• Flexibility: Be available for travel and extended or off-hours work as required by project demands.
• Additional Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned by management, ensuring they align with the engineering focus of the role.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial/mechanical/electrical engineering or other relevant engineering degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in managing complex projects.
• Prior food industry project management experience - dairy industry is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge

• Significant experience in managing capital projects with a strong engineering component, preferably in the dairy or food industry
• Knowledge of dairy process equipment (HTST, separator, membrane systems, mechanical, electrical and control systems.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations
• Proficient using Microsoft Office suite, including MS Project and applied use of AutoCAD applications.
• Experience and knowledge of industrial plant construction, codes, practices, and engineering requirements are a benefit.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication, technical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Computer Skills: including but not limited to Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.
• AutoCAD 3D is a plus

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
2. Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
3. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
4. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
5. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
6. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
7. Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
8. Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.