Shank’s, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal Ingredients

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

The Project Engineer serves as the site subject matter expert (SME) on developing plant capacity and capability using the Capital Engineering process. The Project Engineer evaluates, identifies, vets, plans and implements the site capital projects to help the plant meet its strategic goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Identify, Plan and Execute projects ensuring adherence to safety, quality, schedule, and budget.
- Learn the equipment and manufacturing processes
- Participate as the SME in the capital budgeting process
- Participate in KPI reviews and cost saving process improvement project ideation workshops
- Evaluate process improvement requests. Provide justification for capital expenditure
- Create strategic action plans and cost estimates that include materials, time, labor, and other resources
- Select vendors for equipment purchases, installations, and facility upgrades
- Oversee procurement of capital equipment
- Direct the installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment and processes
- Supervise equipment design changes and building / infrastructure projects
- Manage general contractors/subcontractors
- Maintain budget, schedule, and project database
- Drive stakeholder engagement & alignment through communication to all levels of the organization
- Provide regular updates on project progress, plans, and problems that affect cost or schedule
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes,
- Ensure compliance with company guidelines, practices, quality policies, performance standards, and specifications
Supports achievement of Plant Goals:
- Evaluate equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance and output, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Collaborate with the Operations and Maintenance Departments to identify and troubleshoot problems
- Collaborate with the Maintenance Department to optimize maintenance cycles.
- Collaborate with Operations and R&D to implement new products and processes
- Develop test methods for evaluating equipment and processes
Perform other related duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills is required
Managing capital expenditure projects of $500k or more is required
Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) is required
Familiarity with AutoCAD/Solidworks or any other computer-aided engineering application is preferred
English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred
At least 7 years of Manufacturing Project Engineer experience is required
Food or Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience is required
Project scoping and management experience is required
Line layout experience is required
Change management experience is required
Aseptic packaging experience is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sits 50% of the time and uses a computer and keyboard.
Stands and walks 50% of the time.
Frequent phone conversations and meetings
Seldom exposed to dust, dirt, cold, fumes, noise, dryness, wetness, vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasional exposure to heat, and odors. Light work requires little physical effort.
Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank’s is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank’s and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank’s respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

***Competitive compensation and benefits package***

Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site