Capital Project Engineer

This role leads complex capital engineering projects from initial concept through commissioning and start-up within a high-speed manufacturing environment. The Capital Project Engineer manages all phases of CAPEX project execution, with a strong focus on packaging equipment, automated production lines, and facility expansions. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective projects that support high-speed packaging and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital engineering projects from concept development through commissioning and start-up, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational needs.
• Manage all phases of CAPEX project execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, and project closeout.
• Develop and manage detailed project budgets and schedules, monitor progress, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Oversee equipment procurement activities, including evaluating equipment specifications, selecting vendors, negotiating with OEMs and system integrators, and coordinating purchase orders.
• Select, manage, and coordinate contractors, OEMs, system integrators, and construction vendors throughout all stages of project execution.
• Provide technical leadership for the design, installation, and integration of packaging equipment, high-speed manufacturing systems, and automated production lines.
• Lead cross-functional project teams across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth project implementation and handover.
• Support and oversee equipment acceptance testing, including factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT), to verify performance against specifications.
• Direct commissioning activities and ensure new equipment and systems achieve target performance, reliability, and safety standards.
• Conduct troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment and system issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance, capacity expansion, and operational efficiency.
• Manage project risks by identifying potential issues, developing mitigation plans, and maintaining project scope control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all projects adhere to safety, GMP, and relevant regulatory requirements within manufacturing and packaging environments.
• Communicate project status, risks, and milestones effectively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Promote a culture of safety, operational excellence, cost control, and accountability within the project team and across partner functions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience within manufacturing environments, with significant responsibility for capital project execution.
• Proven experience leading large-scale CAPEX projects involving packaging equipment, production systems, facility upgrades, or plant expansions.
• Strong project management skills, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, and project lifecycle management.
• Hands-on experience with equipment procurement, vendor selection, contractor management, installation oversight, and project commissioning.
• Deep understanding of packaging equipment, high-speed manufacturing systems, and automated production line integration.
• Experience supporting high-speed packaging operations within food and beverage, confectionery, consumer products, or other process manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of automation systems, robotics, controls integration, and manufacturing technology implementation.
• Experience evaluating equipment specifications and supporting equipment acceptance testing and commissioning activities.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with GMP, food manufacturing practices, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, cost control, and successful project delivery.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience driving equipment performance improvements and capacity expansion projects.
• Continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Exposure to new facility start-ups or major facility expansions.
• Experience working in high-speed packaging environments for process manufacturing industries.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing environment in Orangeburg, SC that is planned to be significantly larger than existing U.S. locations. The environment centers on high-speed packaging operations, automated production lines, and modern manufacturing technologies, including automation systems, robotics, and controls integration. Work involves regular interaction on the production floor, coordination with contractors and vendors during installation and commissioning, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

This is a Permanent position based out of Orangeburg, SC.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

This is a fully onsite position in Orangeburg,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.