Project Engineer @ Ajinomoto Cambrooke

What This Position Has To Offer

• Lead and contribute to significant CAPEX investments, driving project success from design to commissioning.
• Provide essential engineering support for advanced utility systems and manufacturing equipment.
• Engage in hands‑on troubleshooting and coordinate critical line installations and start‑ups.
• Experience varied work environments with required travel between MA locations and domestically.

Are you ready to apply your engineering expertise to optimize manufacturing processes and drive significant CAPEX projects?

As a recruiting partner of Ajinomoto Cambrooke Inc, we are looking for you as a Project Engineer (a), full‑time, for the location on site in Ayer, MA.

In your position, you will be instrumental in optimizing manufacturing processes and managing significant CAPEX investments, embodying Ajinomoto’s motto:
Eat Well, Live Well.

Look forward to a role where your expertise in automated equipment and plant utilities directly contributes to operational excellence. In addition, you will receive the opportunity to engage in hands‑on troubleshooting and coordinate critical project phases.

The salary range is $86,600 - $100k per year and a 12.5% bonus potential.

• CAPEX & Project Management:
  Designs, develops, and executes engineering projects; manages capital and non‑capital project scopes, budgets, and business costs for quarterly reporting; and coordinates design reviews, procurement specifications, and project justifications under management supervision.
• Equipment Installation, Commissioning & Lifecycle:
  Leads and coordinates line installations, start‑ups, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), site testing, and decommissioning events to ensure compliance with contract specifications and seamless vendor handovers.
• Operational Support & Troubleshooting:
  Partners with third‑party integrators, manufacturing, quality, and safety teams to provide hands‑on, on‑the‑floor troubleshooting, minimize equipment downtime, and address technical issues raised by stakeholders.
• Maintenance & Technical Documentation:
  Collaborates with maintenance teams and vendors to develop user requirements, technical diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—including parameters for preventative/predictive maintenance, spare parts assessment, and work order scheduling.
• Process Optimization & Compliance:
  Analyzes production workflows and KPI monitoring systems to boost productivity; identifies improvement opportunities; and supports compliance efforts related to deviations, CAPA, change management, and contamination investigations.

• BSc in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field of study.
• Industry Experience & Educational Background:
  Plant engineering or science knowledge attained through studies in mechanical, chemical, or similar engineering fields, combined with 3+ years of experience working with automated equipment, mechanical/electrical systems, and plant utilities (HVAC, compressed air, boilers, steam, cooling, and fire suppression systems) within a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• Hands‑On Technical & Troubleshooting
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven mechanical, electrical, and automation skills with a strong comfort level working hands‑on with tools and machinery on the production floor; specific expertise in PLC troubleshooting and facility‑related diagnostic assessments is required.
• Compliance, Safety & Data Analysis:
  Deep knowledge of GMP and safety regulations (including OSHA requirements) with the ability to implement and monitor regulatory guidelines, as well as record, report, and interpret complex technical and business data.
• Professional Attributes & Flexibility: A proactive, self‑starting professional with strong analytical, negotiation, and written/verbal communication skills (capable of writing clear reports, manuals, and presentations); must possess the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment and work a flexible schedule, including being on‑call or traveling as necessary.

• 3 years’ experience in an aseptic and/or powder manufacturing environment.

At Ajinomoto,…