Senior Capital Project Engineer - Dairy Manufacturing & Packaging

We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high-quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment.

Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hire-top-notch talent who share our company's commitment to our customers and a passion for making the country's finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients.

Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full‑time employees and their dependents.

• 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Educational Reimbursement
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.)
• Free cheese!

Reports To: Director of Maintenance & Engineering

Shift: 1st Shift, with the ability to be flexible per operation needs

Joseph Farms is seeking a hands‑on Senior Capital Project Engineer to lead improvement projects across our Atwater manufacturing site. In this role you will partner closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and outside vendors to deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.

• Lead projects from ideation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and final closeout.
• Develop & manage project charters, scope, capital justifications (ROI, payback, cost savings), and detailed project budgets.
• Create & maintain project schedules (Gantt charts), resource plans, and milestones to ensure on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Develop equipment layouts, utility requirements, and process flow diagrams (PFDs) and PIDs.
• Develop equipment specifications and RFQs/RFIs; evaluate technical proposals and recommend vendor selection.
• Lead design reviews (process, mechanical, electrical, controls) and ensure alignment with plant standards.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT, startup planning, commissioning checklists, and operational handoff to operations and maintenance teams.
• Ensure proper documentation turnover including as‑builts, O&M manuals, spare parts lists, and training materials.
• Manage multiple capital and improvement projects, engaging with both internal teams and external partners.
• Work with internal teams to gather information about products, speeds, methods, and materials to inform design decisions.
• Facilitate risk assessments, pre‑task planning, and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
• Lead project update meetings and provide clear status reporting to leadership.
• Apply working knowledge of office software and Excel to calculate savings, speeds, efficiency, and schedules.
• Work with limited oversight — able to overcome project challenges, work through problems, and solicit help when needed.

• Comply with all Plant, State, and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations.
• Comply with GMPs in the plant.
• Assist in the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality System.

• 5+ years’ experience in dairy plant equipment / mechanical engineering, sanitary design, CIP systems, HTST pasteurization, etc.
• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in engineering and project management software tools, including CAD and MS Office.
• Working knowledge of…