Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Project Engineer
Our client is seeking a Project Engineer to support the planning, execution, and technical integration of capital improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This hands-on role partners closely with internal stakeholders, equipment suppliers, and external contractors to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality project outcomes. The Project Engineer will contribute to continuous improvement efforts by solving complex equipment and process challenges while supporting long-term operational performance.


This role is onsite in McMinnville, Oregon.

Project Engineer Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and aligned to defined scope and technical requirements.
• Coordinate closely with domestic and international equipment suppliers, local contractors, and internal cross-functional teams to support successful project outcomes.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities, including transition to operations and formal project handoff.
• Develop and maintain project documentation such as drawings, specifications, manuals, commissioning records, and standard operating materials.
• Ensure all project activities comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and quality standards, including industry and food safety requirements.
• Apply engineering judgment to troubleshoot equipment, process flow, and production challenges, identifying practical and sustainable solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance machinery performance, workflow efficiency, and production reliability.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to support innovation and uphold performance standards.

Project Engineer Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience supporting engineering projects in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
• Practical experience supporting capital projects, including working directly with OEMs, contractors, and third-party vendors.
• Working knowledge of technical documentation such as P&IDs, one-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment layouts, with AutoCAD experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a natural inclination toward hands-on troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Ability to balance detailed technical execution with an understanding of broader production and operational impacts.
• Project management exposure or certifications are preferred but not required.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with external partners.

Salary: $100K-$120K/year. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet Vander Houwen
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