Project Engineer

Location: Dallas, TX

Duration: 12-Month Contract (Potential for Extension or Conversion to Full-Time)

Pay Rate: $62.00/hour

Position Overview

As a member of the Plant Manufacturing Engineering team, the Project Engineer will lead capital projects across processing, packaging, and utility systems within the manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for managing projects from concept through execution, ensuring business objectives are met through effective project planning, stakeholder coordination, and technical leadership.

The Project Engineer will oversee small, medium, and large-scale capital projects, serving as the primary point of coordination between contractors, vendors, and plant operations. Responsibilities include capital management, project execution, commissioning, and successful handoff to maintenance and operations teams.

This role requires a strong focus on safety, food quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with Danone engineering standards, while supporting facility growth, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Management

• Manage capital authorization requests, requisitions, project budgets, and spending accountability.
• Lead capital projects from concept development through design, justification, implementation, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Support projects involving new construction, equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and facility expansions.
• Conduct project planning, risk assessments, resource allocation, scheduling, and execution activities.
• Ensure project deliverables align with business objectives, operational requirements, and corporate engineering standards.

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Translate business needs into equipment and infrastructure requirements that improve operational performance and support growth initiatives.
• Develop technical specifications and ensure compliance with Global Danone Engineering Standards.
• Prepare technical proposals and feasibility studies for new product launches, process improvements, and operational enhancements.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Serve as a technical consultant for troubleshooting complex equipment and process issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Packaging, Processing, Quality, Finance, Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Corporate Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, vendors, and engineering resources to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Build strong relationships with technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams and sister facilities to leverage best practices and innovative solutions.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Planning

• Assist in developing long-term strategic plans for packaging, processing, utilities, facility layouts, and material handling systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, project execution methodologies, and equipment standards.
• Support sustainability initiatives, including energy and water conservation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, food quality, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Chemical, or a related Engineering discipline.

Experience

• 3–5 years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing capital projects from planning through implementation.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities preferred.
• Food, beverage, dairy, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related manufacturing experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of high-speed packaging systems, automation, controls, and manufacturing technologies.
• Understanding of dairy processing systems, PMO, and 3-A sanitary standards.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and capital project execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Project.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong collaboration across teams.
• Experience with Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including OSHA and FDA standards.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Rate: $62.00/hour

Schedule: Full-time, onsite at the Dallas manufacturing facility

Duration: 12-month contract with potential for extension or conversion based on performance and business needs

Contractor Benefits

• Weekly pay
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Opportunity to gain experience with a leading global food manufacturing organization