Mechanical Project Engineer

Position Description and Purpose: 

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roskam Foods is a leading contract manufacturer that partners with world-renowned food brands, retailers, and food service providers to produce a myriad of frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products. We’re a scaled, diversified operation with over 2 million square feet of manufacturing and 50 production lines across 8 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. We believe in the power of purpose-driven leadership to generate value for all. And we’re on a mission to optimize the potential of our people and brands. We are passionate about multiplying possibilities for our employees and our partners. 

Roskam Foods produces and packages food products with the goal of consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations for quality, safety, and wholesomeness.

Key Essential Functions/Duties:

Project Development & Execution

• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical requirements for capital and continuous improvement projects.
• Support equipment installations from concept through startup and project closeout.
• Develop detailed Request for Quotations (RFQs) for equipment, fabrication, installation services, utilities, and construction activities.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor proposals, quotations, and technical submissions.
• Participate in and take leadership in vendor design reviews and equipment acceptance activities.
• Coordinate installation activities with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, and external contractors.
• Support startup, testing, commissioning, and operational turnover of new systems and equipment.

Mechanical Design & Drafting

• Create detailed mechanical and installation drawings using AutoCAD.
• Develop equipment layouts, utility layouts, and installation packages.
• Generate and maintain:
  • Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
  • Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Utility drawings
  • General arrangement drawings
  • Equipment installation drawings
  • Equipment layout drawings
  • RFQ drawings and bid packages
• Update and maintain as-built facility and production line drawings.
• Collect field measurements and verify existing conditions.
• Incorporate vendor drawings and field data into final project documentation.
• Develop detailed engineering documentation necessary for fabrication and installation.

Field Installation Support

• Work directly with Senior Engineering Technicians during equipment installations and project execution.
• Provide on-site engineering support during equipment installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Manage and coordinate contractors including millwrights, mechanical contractors, electricians, pipefitters, and fabricators.
• Verify installations comply with approved drawings, specifications, GMPs, and safety requirements.
• Perform field inspections and document installation progress.
• Troubleshoot installation and startup issues and develop practical solutions.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the on-site engineering representative during project execution.
• Coordinate and support millwright, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fabrication, and general contractors.
• Work closely with Senior Engineering Technicians to manage installation activities and resolve field issues.
• Verify contractor work complies with project scope, specifications, safety requirements, and engineering standards.
• Support equipment set, alignment, utility tie-ins, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot installation and operational issues and develop practical corrective actions.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with GMP requirements.
• Maintain accurate project records and punch lists through project completion.

Physical Requirements:

The Project Engineer is expected to spend significant time in manufacturing environments supporting project installations and equipment startups.

Mobility

• Walking and standing for extended periods.
• Climbing ladders, stairways, catwalks, and elevated platforms.
• Operation of scissor lifts and aerial work platforms (training provided as required).

Physical Activity

• Frequent plant-floor activities including measuring, inspecting, and verifying installations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to access equipment and work areas during installation and startup activities.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and construction environments.
• Exposure to production noise, temperature fluctuations, dust, and moving equipment.
• Ability to work in confined spaces when required and medically qualified.
• Willingness to perform hands-on fieldwork and support installations as needed.

Education/Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 5-7 years of engineering experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong AutoCAD proficiency with demonstrated experience developing detailed mechanical and installation drawings.
• Experience supporting manufacturing line installations and capital projects.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems including:
  • Piping
  • Conveying systems
  • Processing equipment
  • Packaging equipment
  • Utilities and facility infrastructure
• Experience creating and modifying:
  • P&IDs
  • Process Flow Diagrams
  • Equipment layouts
  • Installation drawings
  • As-built drawings
• Experience developing detailed RFQs and evaluating vendor proposals.
• Strong project coordination and contractor management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

Preferred

• Experience with multi-million-dollar capital projects.
• Food processing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing experience.
• Experience with SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar 3D design software.
• Experience participating in FATs, SATs, startup, and commissioning activities.

Roskam Foods offers a competitive compensation package that includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, tuition reimbursement, life and disability insurance, and a 401 (k) plan with company match.

AAP/EEO Statement: Roskam Foods is a recognized veteran-friendly and equal opportunity employer.

We are excited to introduce you to all that Roskam has to offer—from the many valuable benefits to programs that support your lifestyle needs and opportunities for professional development. Roskam is an equal opportunity employer.