Project Engineer, Quality Engineering

We are seeking a Project Engineer to support engineering and commissioning services for manufacturing processes and equipment at Lactalis U.S. Yogurt in Casa Grande.

• Define the business requirements: capacity needs over time, capacity available, R&D requirements in terms of raw materials, processes and possibilities for future expansion. Ensure that the business needs are well validated by a cross‑section of the business.
• Translate the business needs into process/packaging equipment requirements: ensure that the design captures the best practices available in the industry. Constantly seek improvement through benchmarking, expert advice and transfer of best practices. Use the company network to gain access to the experts. Guarantee compliance with the site master plan and with the company’s product strategic plan.
• Organize and carry out all necessary trials and tests to ensure project success with production, suppliers and R&D.
• Prepare the supplier selection bid package and request for quotation; work with corporate purchasing to manage the supplier selection process.
• Follow internal capital approval request procedures regarding approval, purchase orders, and review variances actual versus budget throughout the project. Forecast and report cash flow and variance. Manage any changes using documented change orders.
• Ensure quality planning, risk analysis, budget, resource identification, and layout studies are complete and accurate.
• Use best project‑management methodologies: hold frequent project meetings with minutes and action lists; communicate within the company about project content and progress. Involve plant resources early as future customers in quality, safety, production and maintenance. Show a customer‑service oriented mindset.
• Ensure that the following milestones are respected: provisional acceptance, I/O check‑out, equipment site acceptance test, electrical test, water test, commissioning, final acceptance.
• Follow the execution of the project and ensure coordination between projects, suppliers, manufacturing, and the business. Safety and quality are the key priorities. Scope, deliverables, timeline and budget are always respected.
• Measure project progress at start‑up using a punch list to ensure maximum supplier accountability.
• Lead proactive problem‑solving efforts for manufacturing processes. Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment issues, diagnose technical problems and determine short‑term and long‑term solutions.
• Conduct plant floor walk‑throughs and/or participate on teams that focus on continuous improvement within the manufacturing area. Participate in decisions that arise from engineering projects and/or manufacturing teams.
• Strictly comply with PMO and FDA regulations as well as all OSHA regulations in force.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekend, holidays, or late shifts, during installation periods.

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or an equivalent field.

• Five or more years of project‑management experience.

• Knowledge of dairy manufacturing is preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – including Microsoft Project is preferred.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred.

• Project Management – capacity to share knowledge, skills and techniques to execute projects effectively and efficiently. Ability to lead a cross‑functional team through a defined methodology using well‑defined tools to reach objectives on time, on budget and on target.
• Client‑Oriented / Stakeholder Management – dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of clients (internal or external) and stakeholders in a manner that provides satisfaction and fosters loyalty to increase company profit.
• Agility – ability to be adaptable as a regular practice, to proactively adjust to improve results, realign actions, recalibrate priorities and change work practices without causing confusion.
• Computer and Office – demonstrated knowledge of computer‑based communication applications (e.g. web‑based applications, personal computer) and ability to use computer applications as well as other technologies, e.g.…