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Strategic Project Engineering Manager

North Carolina or Virginia

$125K – $155K plus bonus

Transform the future of meat processing through cutting-edge automation projects where you'll turn visionary concepts into reality and solve the industry's most complex engineering challenges.

Must-Haves

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year institution and 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Leadership Experience:

• 2+ years in a leadership position including team development and management

Technical Expertise:

• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues
• Proficient in AutoCAD
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Office products
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
• Layout and design experience

Project & Financial Management:

• Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets
• Project Management skills (required)
• Contract Administration skills (required)
• National codes and standards interpretation skills
• Proficient in engineering economics
• Previous experience managing multi-million dollar projects with large scopes

Industry Knowledge:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry

Work Requirements:

• Ability to travel to other locations (50% of the time)
• Ability to work well with others in fast-paced, dynamic environments

What You'll Achieve

Innovation & Automation Leadership

• Drive cutting-edge automation projects for the meat processing industry
• Collaborate with business partners and cross-functional teams to understand automation needs and translate them into innovative solutions
• Continuously improve robotic and controls knowledge to execute breakthrough solutions
• Serve as a trusted authority in project management with equipment automation

Design & Engineering Excellence

• Develop preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials
• Prepare accurate project cost estimates and budget analyses
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure designs are viable and cost-effective
• Determine design criteria based on required standards and codes
• Validate field work and create as-built drawings to document final outcomes

Project Execution & Quality Control

• Review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness
• Manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors
• Conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre-project studies
• Monitor installations to ensure proposal specifications and budgets are met
• Manage assigned budget activities to maintain financial control throughout the project lifecycle

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors
• Ensure alignment with management and engineering teams to successfully implement plans
• Provide direction to equipment vendors for layout planning, utility requirements, and installation schedules
• Review work products submitted by consultants and offer recommendations for adjustments

Procurement & Contract Administration

• Determine scope of work and prepare requests for proposals
• Evaluate proposals to select the best approach
• Review bid packages to ensure compliance and completeness
• Manage contract administration throughout project lifecycle

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive documentation including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information
• Prepare essential project documents such as justifications, calculations, plans, and schedules
• Submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines

Strategic Problem-Solving Tackle the most complex challenges in industrial equipment automation. You'll turn visionary concepts into working solutions that advance technology and innovation in meat processing. Your engineering expertise will directly shape the future of automation in this critical industry.

Work Environment

This role requires significant travel (50%) to project sites and facilities across multiple locations. You'll work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your technical leadership and project management skills will drive successful implementation of high-value automation initiatives. Your decisions and recommendations will have lasting impact on facility operations and industry advancement.