Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer will support the planning, execution, and startup of Production Line 2 at an existing protein bar manufacturing facility. This role is hands‑on and cross‑functional, working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and external vendors to ensure the new line is installed, commissioned, and ramped up safely and efficiently while integrating with existing site infrastructure.

• Support installation, integration, and startup of Production Line 2 within an active manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day project activities, including equipment installation, utilities connections, and schedule tracking.
• Assist with managing project timelines, budgets, and contractor activities.
• Support on‑site commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of processing and packaging equipment.
• Participate in FAT/SAT activities and help resolve mechanical, electrical, or process issues during startup.
• Work with vendors and system integrators to ensure equipment meets operational and performance requirements.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance teams to transition equipment from project phase to production.
• Support development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance plans, and spare parts lists.
• Assist with operator and maintenance training during line startup.
• Monitor early production performance and help identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, changeovers, and downtime.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for startup and ramp‑up issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives following successful line startup.
• Ensure project activities comply with site safety rules, food safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Maintain project documentation, drawings, and startup records.
• Participate in risk assessments and pre‑startup safety reviews.

• Project management
• Project engineering
• Equipment installation
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related field)
• 2–5+ years of experience supporting manufacturing projects, equipment installation, or line startups
• Experience working in a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams

• Experience with high‑speed packaging or food processing equipment
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements
• Experience working in brownfield plant environments
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar tools

The role will be based in a manufacturing facility.

This is a Permanent position based out of Nashville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $90,000.00 - $/yr.
Basic benefits that Vitamin Well has, as they will be going on direct with them. Reach out to me for them to share.

This is a fully onsite position in Nashville, TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 28, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.