Kraft Heinz - Winchester, VA
posted about 2 months ago
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.