Plant Project Engineer

Managing Director @ People Suite | Executive Search Consultant

Scope of Position

As a Plant Project Engineer
, you’ll be at the forefront of engineering excellence—leading critical capital projects that drive operational efficiency, elevate safety standards, and enhance product quality.

You’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high-impact projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across a 1,400-person facility. Your work will leave a lasting mark on how we make history—one project at a time.

• Lead one to two major electrical or controls replacement/upgrade projects each year—from demo to commissioning.
• Oversee installation of new panels, PLCs, and VFDs; ensure vendor programming aligns with company standards.
• Manage additional assigned projects, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Develop detailed project proposals, cost controls, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage all aspects of capital project execution—concept through commissioning—ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timing.
• Prepare and maintain concise, accurate documentation throughout all project phases.
• Identify, justify, and implement process improvements and capability enhancements.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions to resolve operational challenges.
• Support process control audits and collaborate with maintenance to troubleshoot advanced control systems and databases.

• Managing capital projects ranging from $10,000 to $5,000,000 in value.
• Partnering with Maintenance, Operations, and Quality during Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meetings to ensure smooth operations.
• Coordinating contractors, vendors, and internal teams to meet project milestones and maintain compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Prioritizing control systems for upgrade/replacement and verifying the reliability of plant safety systems.
• Reviewing and improving automation standards to support sustainable, efficient manufacturing.

• Cross-Functional Partners
  :
  Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams—to ensure alignment of projects with plant performance goals.
• Project Stakeholders
  :
  Engage all individuals impacted by your projects, lead meetings to gather insights, and ensure buy-in from concept through execution.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Rockwell Automation and Rockwell PLC programming.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through full project life cycles.
• Strong skills in MS Project, MS Office, SAP, Procurement Systems, and AutoCAD.
• Understanding of Wonderware InTouch and System Platform.

• Experience with Allen‑Bradley systems (RSLogix 5/500/5000, Studio 5000).
• Familiarity with MODBUS, industrial networking, Stratix switches, and servo drives.
• PMP certification.
• Background in food or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, self-directed mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility to support projects on off‑shifts or weekends as needed.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Southern Pines, NC $90,000.00-$ 2 days ago