Project Engineer - Rma

Position: PROJECT ENGINEER - RMA
Purpose
This position is responsible for managing projects from concept through commissioning, including equipment selection, engineering design, procurement, installation, startup, and performance verification.
The Project Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Executive Leadership teams to deliver projects that improve capacity, quality, sustainability, and profitability across Ravago's manufacturing network.
The position combines strong engineering and project management skills with a hands-on approach, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Areas of Responsibility / Tasks
Performance must reflect appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below:

General Policy

Safety

Help transfer best process and equipment practices across production lines.
Work with S & E Coordinator, where necessary, to update PPE requirements.
Implement necessary environmental controls to avoid pollution and contamination.

Capital Project Management

Lead capital projects from concept development through startup and project closeout.
Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and project execution plans.
Manage projects ranging from equipment upgrades to large-scale plant expansions.
Track budgets, schedules, change orders, and project performance metrics.
Ensure projects meet safety, quality, environmental, and operational requirements.
Provide regular project updates to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders.

Manufacturing & Process Engineering
Support projects involving:

Plastic compounding operations
Twin-screw and single-screw extrusion systems
Pelletizing systems
Blending and ingredient handling systems
Color concentrates and additive masterbatch production
Engineered polymer compounds
Mechanical recycling processes
Material receiving, storage, and conveying systems
Packaging and automated warehousing systems

Responsibilities include:

Developing equipment specifications.
Reviewing PFDs, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and utility requirements.
Optimizing manufacturing processes to improve throughput and quality.
Supporting implementation of new products and formulations.

Recycling & Sustainability Projects

Lead projects supporting post-industrial (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin production.
Implement technologies related to:

Size reduction and shredding
Washing and separation
Melt filtration
Extrusion recycling
Pelletizing and product finishing

Drive initiatives that improve material recovery, yield, quality, and sustainability performance.
Support Ravago's circular economy and recycling growth initiatives.

Vendor & Contractor Management

Develop RFQs and technical bid packages.
Evaluate equipment proposals and supplier capabilities.
Support supplier selection processes and contract reviews.
Participate in design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
Manage contractor and supplier activities during installation and commissioning.

Automation & Reliability

Support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and process control system upgrades.
Coordinate with controls engineers and automation suppliers.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
Participate in troubleshooting and root cause investigations.

Startup & Commissioning

Lead commissioning and startup activities for new equipment and production systems.
Develop startup plans and punch lists.
Verify achievement of equipment performance guarantees.
Coordinate operator and maintenance training.
Ensure complete turnover of project documentation.

Minimum Qualifications / Education / Experience / Certifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in technical field is preferred.

Experience:

Working primarily on manufacturing shop floor and not behind desk.
5+ years of engineering and project management experience in manufacturing
Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
Must possess excellent interpersonal, people management and problem solving skills.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.
Detail oriented, system thinker, disciplined, ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, ERP's)

Competencies;
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)
To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.

Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office.
Must be comfortable working in a non-climate controlled environment.
Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.
All injuries regardless of severity must be reported to your Supervisor/HR immediately.

Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies
Leadership &…