Sr. Project Engineer

Summary

The responsibility of the Sr. Project Engineer role includes but is not limited to: managing large-scale projects related to plant safety, Process Safety Management, infrastructure, process improvement, capacity expansion, compliance, and operational efficiency. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget. The ideal candidate must have a thorough knowledge of engineering principles and best practices, project management methodology, and process equipment with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement process changes. This role is responsible for project leadership, budget and resource management, risk management, stakeholder communication, technical oversight, and continuous improvement. This position may also manage and train new project engineers in the above areas. Other requirements for this role include familiarity with regulatory and engineering standards as well as a willingness to travel occasionally and work in an industrial plant environment.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Plan, execute, and finalize complex projects from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Develop project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations and contract labor.
• Prepare and manage project budgets ($250k to $5M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
• Identify potential project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations at all project stages.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project team, plant management, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Provide guidance on technical aspects of projects, including process design, equipment selection, and construction activities.
• Review engineering designs and ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
• Drive the implementation of best practices and innovative solutions to enhance plant performance and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Procurement to purchase equipment, engineering services, construction services.
• Develop & execute Commissioning Plans for projects. Support Qualification & Verification ramp-up.
• Manage external resources as needed to supplement projects.
• Oversee and support the execution/project delivery including scope definition and control, project cost control, cash-flow forecasts, schedules, construction management, training, project coordination and post-completion reviews.
• Responsible for process safety and environmental compliance/implementation projects.
• Ensure process PSM requirements are met.
• Actively participate in plant safety program/process.

Supervisory responsibilities

• Responsible for the supervision and direction of an Engineering Intern.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of project management methodology on multiple $5M+ projects
• Strong knowledge of chemical process design
• Ability to communicate and interact with multiple levels within an organization as well as outside vendors.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications.

Required education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution; candidates with other technical degrees will be considered based on relevant process and project experience.
• 15+ years of experience in the manufacturing process and/or project focused role.
• 10+ years of experience managing Capex projects within the manufacturing industry.

Preferred education and experience

• Advanced degree related to engineering or project management.
• Project Management Professional certification.
• Experience with Focused Improvement (DMAIC, Six Sigma certifications preferred).
• Experience in control systems (Rockwell, Siemens PCS7, Delta V, Modicon).
• Experience with batch chemical processes.
• Experience with the OSHA PSM standard and covered processes.

Work environment and physical demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (including keyboarding).
• Ability to stand, crouch or kneel at times.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Compensation

• The annual base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000

Travel required

• The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.