Senior Project Engineer

Senior Project Engineer

We are a leading protein producer focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation. With vertically integrated operations, the company delivers fresh, responsibly raised beef products while maintaining high standards in food safety and animal welfare.

Position Overview

We're looking for a seasoned engineering professional to lead and execute capital projects at our protein processing facility. This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in meat processing operations who thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. You'll play a key role in driving operational improvements, ensuring compliance, and delivering projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.

• Oversee multiple engineering and capital projects from concept to completion, ensuring they stay on track, on budget, and aligned with operational goals.
• Develop comprehensive project scopes, including layouts, cost estimates, schedules, and equipment specs-especially for areas like harvest, rendering, hides, fabrication, ground beef, and further processing.
• Manage contractors and vendors to ensure safe, timely, and compliant execution of work in sanitation-sensitive zones.
• Collaborate with internal safety and food safety teams to ensure all designs meet OSHA, USDA, and FSIS standards, with a focus on humane handling and sanitation.
• Lead installation and commissioning of new or upgraded systems across various processing areas.
• Enforce contractor safety protocols and actively monitor job site safety during project execution.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, and Quality teams to troubleshoot and resolve engineering challenges.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and support staff.

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• At least 4 years of engineering experience in a USDA-regulated meat processing environment.
• 4+ years managing capital projects, ideally involving kill floor or rendering systems.
• 5+ years in a leadership or supervisory role within an industrial or food manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of protein processing systems, facility layout, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling tools.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple high-impact projects with minimal oversight.
• A track record of driving process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work across departments and with external partners.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

• Occasional travel (up to 10%) to other facilities, vendors, or industry events.
• Frequent presence required on the production floor, especially during installations and construction phases.

Benefits

Annual Compensation: $120k/year - $200k/year

Medical Insurance

401k with company match

PTO