Project Engineer/Project Manager

Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Project Engineer / Project Manager to lead the full lifecycle execution of complex, multi-million-dollar industrial equipment projects. This role combines mechanical engineering expertise with project leadership responsibility, overseeing design coordination, fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of large-scale stainless steel food processing systems.

The initial assignment will lead the build and deployment of full line solutions used in high-volume poultry/protein processing operations.

This role leads cross-functional teams, while serving as a key technical interface with customers, vendors, and internal engineering groups and departments.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Own full project      lifecycle from design review through fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning.
• Manage      multi-million-dollar equipment builds, schedules, and execution plans.
• Lead build activities for large stainless steel industrial processing equipment.
• Coordinate project scope, timelines, and resources across engineering, manufacturing, and field service.
• Ensure projects meet technical, quality, and delivery objectives.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership for industrial food processing equipment.
• Review and support equipment designs using SolidWorks.
• Support integration of mechanical systems with Allen-Bradley PLC controls.
• Ensure compliance with sanitary design principles and food safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in design, manufacturability, and system performance.

Team and Project Leadership

• Assist with leading and directing teams of welders, assemblers, and field service technicians through the life cycle of projects.
• Provide technical guidance, task prioritization, and performance direction.
• Coordinate work across sales, service, mechanical and electrical engineering teams.

Customer & Vendor Engagement

• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers throughout project execution.
• Coordinate equipment installation and commissioning activities at customer sites.
• Manage vendor and supplier relationships supporting project delivery.

Quality & Operational Excellence

• Ensure adherence to manufacturing standards, safety requirements, and company quality expectations.
• Identify risks and resolve technical and execution challenges proactively.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within engineering and production.
• Performs other related duties/projects as assigned. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Strong mechanical engineering and project management background.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in project engineering, equipment manufacturing, or industrial systems.
• Experience leading technical teams in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Experience working with large mechanical systems, fabrication, or equipment assembly.
• Ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced OEM environment.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with food processing or industrial OEM equipment.
• Experience with stainless steel fabrication and sanitary equipment design.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLC-controlled systems.
• Experience managing full lifecycle equipment projects.
• PMP or project management certification.
• · HACCP Certification: Focuses on identifying and controlling hazards in food production, often required for engineers designing processing lines.
• · Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM): Demonstrates proficiency in food safety regulations (FDA/USDA) and is often a legal requirement for supervisory roles in Georgia.
• · FSMA Training: Specialized training in the Food Safety Modernization Act is critical for ensuring equipment helps clients remain compliant with federal law.
• · 3-A Sanitary Standards: Knowledge of these criteria is essential for designing equipment that can be effectively cleaned (CIP/COP).
• · EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group): Highly valued for international projects or companies with global clients.
• Experience supporting installation and commissioning of industrial equipment.
• Ability to communicate/present to all levels of audiences

Work Environment & Location

• Location: Gainesville, Georgia
• Primarily on-site role.
• Travel: approximately 25% 

Targets and Goals:

Safety Targets 

• Complete near miss forms as needed and turn into manager to ensure corrective action has been taken to resolve the issue and/or raise safety awareness. MP Equipment will use this as a guide for safety training during the monthly copier chats and toolbox talks
• Continuously abide by all company safety policies/procedures including but not limited to PPE, accident reporting, back safety, fire evacuation, emergency action plan and bloodborne pathogens.
• Housekeeping – Work Area is kept clean and organized keeping passage/doorways clear.

Cost Savings

Contribute to MP continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for improvement and suggesting better, more efficient processes 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Project Management -- Initiate, plan, execute, control, and close the work of the team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.
• Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Leadership/Management -- Motivating, developing, and directing teams as they work, identifying the best associates for the job.
• Time Management – Organize and plan time according to timelines of projects. Direct team on timelines and project completion dates.
• Communication -- Express your ideas and views clearly, confidently and concisely. Promote efficient and effective communication within the team.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.