Senior Manager, Project Engineer

Sr. Manager, Project Engineer

The Sr. Project Engineering Manager leads capital equipment, automation, packaging, and manufacturing improvement projects that support high-volume production operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging, Marketing, Quality, and external equipment vendors to design, install, validate, and commission new manufacturing technologies and production systems. The position offers the opportunity to drive automation initiatives, capital equipment investments, and new product launches that directly impact manufacturing performance, while helping modernize processes and implement innovative technologies across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end capital equipment and automation projects, from concept through installation, validation, and commissioning, to support production operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging, Marketing, Quality, and external equipment vendors to define project requirements and deliver high-performing production systems.
• Design and specify new equipment and production systems, ensuring they meet performance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage capital project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk mitigation, and resource allocation.
• Drive manufacturing process improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead packaging equipment improvement projects, particularly in high-speed environments, to support new product launches and ongoing productivity gains.
• Troubleshoot machines and production equipment to resolve technical issues and optimize performance.
• Create, implement, and oversee validation protocols to ensure new equipment and processes meet regulatory and quality standards.
• Conduct equipment acceptance testing and commissioning activities to verify functionality, reliability, and compliance before handover to operations.
• Collaborate with robotics and automation system providers to integrate advanced technologies into existing and new production lines.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to identify process bottlenecks, reduce variability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to Operations and Executive Leadership, providing clear updates and recommendations.
• Coordinate vendor meetings and manage external partners to ensure timely delivery, installation, and support of capital equipment.
• Support the launch of new products by ensuring manufacturing and packaging systems are capable, robust, and aligned with product requirements.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, drawings, and specifications for equipment and process changes using CAD tools.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience leading capital equipment projects within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communication.
• Hands-on technical expertise in automation, packaging equipment, and manufacturing process optimization.
• CAD experience using tools such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, or Inventor for equipment and system design.
• Demonstrated ability to develop equipment design concepts and detailed specification documents.
• Experience in manufacturing process improvement, including analysis of production data and implementation of corrective actions.
• Proficiency in machine troubleshooting and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, or control issues.
• Experience developing and executing validation protocols for new equipment and processes in regulated settings.
• Ability to plan and conduct equipment acceptance testing to confirm performance and compliance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in consumer products manufacturing, including cosmetics, personal care, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical production.
• Experience with high-speed packaging equipment and related automation systems.
• Exposure to robotics or advanced automation technologies used in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies and tools to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma principles and practices to support data-driven process improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% onsite at a large manufacturing campus in Oxford, NC. The work environment is a fast-paced consumer products manufacturing setting that combines office-based engineering activities with frequent work on the production floor. The position involves a mix of office work, hands-on engineering tasks, production line observation, vendor meetings, and project execution in operational areas. You will regularly interact with manufacturing equipment, packaging lines, and automation systems while collaborating…