Plant Project Engineer

Date: August 20, 2024

Responsibilities and Duties:

Located in the Philadelphia area (southwest suburbs of Philadelphia, PA), the Plant Project Engineer will lead and support different project initiatives at our client’s food manufacturing facility. This role implies a good understanding of the engineering manufacturing processes and of the different disciplines required to develop a full project such as: process, packaging, mechanical and electrical utilities, automation services and building infrastructure. The plant project engineer will be responsible to lead, manage and execute capital investment projects in the $100K to $3M range, from the project ideation to the development of the initial and detail design. This role also includes supervision of contractors executing the work and the start-up and commissioning of projects. While not usually directly responsible for the technical details and designs of projects (except on some occasions), the plant project engineer must ensure projects are executed to meet the objectives and requirements on-time, on-budget and with quality. This role involves good leadership and communication skills, planning, coordinating and budgeting skills, attention to details and autonomy. While reporting to Laporte’s Food & Beverage Operations Director, this position requires full-time on-site work at the client’s facility in the Philadelphia area (southwest suburbs of Philadelphia, PA). The Plant Project Engineer will work closely with and report results and progress to the client.

Participate in the clients’ needs analysis and project definitions
Lead all phases of the projects and ensure they are in accordance with the agreed scope, timelines and budget
Manage and support the interdisciplinary team on site
Report project progress to clients
Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary design team
Chair project team meetings and provide technical direction
During construction, facilitate contractor coordination meetings to ensure seamless sequencing of activities
During project execution and construction, oversee the work of contractors, client’s personnel and other consultants working on the project
Support positive client interactions and sub-consultant interface
Pursue opportunities for business development and future growth of the organization across various local geographies.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in an engineering role in the Food and Beverage or Bio industrial industries
Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in an industrial manufacturing facility (field experience)
BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related fields
Knowledge in consulting engineering

Preferred Qualifications

Strong leadership, relationship management, and organizational planning and project management skills, in addition to technical knowledge
Ability to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
Ability to influence clients, suppliers and peers into adopting “best practices” in the engineering field
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, listening and interpersonal with the ability to transfer knowledge to others
Capability to engage and energize others to reach their fullest potential and performance
Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements for the food industry
Versatility in disciplines other than the one academically trained for is highly desired
Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite

What we offer:

Opportunities for career development
An environment that promotes accountability and efficiency
A flexible schedule that allows for a balanced life
Social activities
Health coverage
401K match
3 weeks of vacation + paid holiday break in the winter
Paid sick leave
Competitive salary and benefits (public transportation reimbursement, training, etc.).