Project Engineer

Kraft Heinz - Winchester, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Winchester, VA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Project Engineer plays a crucial role in directing and coordinating engineering projects within the plant or assigned area of responsibility. This position involves exercising functional authority for planning, organization, control, integration, and completion of engineering projects. The Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while successfully achieving project objectives. This includes overseeing specific phases of the project such as conducting technical studies, product design, preparing specifications and technical plans, and conducting product testing. In addition to project management, the Project Engineer coordinates activities related to technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and testing issues. They are tasked with controlling expenditures within the limitations of the project budget and preparing interim and completion project reports. The role also requires providing functional and technical support to factories to minimize production and maintenance problems, applying engineering expertise to equipment design, problem-solving, and quality improvement. The Project Engineer is expected to participate in committees or task forces as necessary to contribute to company goals and support key projects as a technical advisor or project manager. A strong emphasis is placed on Total Quality Management (TQM) principles, ensuring that all tasks are executed correctly the first time. This includes establishing requirements and process maps to meet customer needs and promoting TQM through effective communication with all stakeholders. The role also involves developing project scope, justification, and assessing the impact on the factory and company. The Project Engineer prepares appropriations, including cost estimates and timing plans, and manages cost controls, asset controls, and scheduling controls. They are responsible for hiring and supervising contractors, which may involve managing up to 50 individuals across various trades. Additionally, the Project Engineer must maintain a robust source of technical files, vendors, and engineering groups to respond to new packaging methods and identify applicable technologies and equipment. The position requires active participation in cost reduction and production improvement initiatives, developing projects to implement cost-cutting and quality-enhancing techniques. The Project Engineer analyzes and prepares appropriation requests for capital improvements and replacements of inefficient assets, maintaining an active cost reduction program. They also compile capital budgeting requirements from factory departments into a comprehensive five-year capital budget, ensuring that current and future factory needs are met. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for effectively interacting with individuals from diverse work disciplines and cultural backgrounds. The Project Engineer must also analyze and prepare appropriation requests for capital and expense projects, including new facilities and equipment for operational improvements and capacity increases.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget while achieving objectives.
• Complete specific phases of the project such as technical studies, product design, and product testing.
• Coordinate activities related to technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems.
• Control expenditures within the limitations of the project budget.
• Prepare interim and completion project reports.
• Provide functional and technical support to factories to minimize production and maintenance problems.
• Apply engineering expertise to equipment design, problem-solving, and quality improvement.
• Participate in committees or task forces to contribute to company goals.
• Support key projects as a technical advisor or project manager.
• Promote TQM principles and ensure tasks are done right the first time.
• Develop project scope, justification, and assess factory/company impact.
• Prepare appropriations including cost estimates and timing plans.
• Manage cost controls, asset controls, and scheduling controls.
• Hire and supervise contractors across various trades.
• Maintain a strong source of technical files, vendors, and engineering groups.
• Evaluate, plan, and implement approved projects in alignment with management directives.
• Participate in company efforts to reduce operational costs and improve quality attributes.
• Analyze and prepare appropriation requests for capital improvements and replacements of inefficient assets.
• Compile capital budgeting requirements into a five-year capital budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in full cycle Project Engineering.
• Strong background in mechanical and hydraulic systems, packaging methods, materials, electronics, and electrical systems.
• Strong communication skills for presentations to factory staff on technical issues.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various stakeholders.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations for analysis and testing.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to work to a flexible schedule including days, afternoons, midnights, and overtime as needed.