Production Engineer

Innovative Staff Solutions has a direct hire opportunity for a Production Engineer / Project Manager with one of our clients in Portage, IN. This is a full-time position, with a competitive salary and benefits package offering. Our client is seeking an experienced and driven Production Engineer / Project Manager to lead capital expense (Cap Ex) projects and support production optimization initiatives at their manufacturing facility.

This individual will be responsible for the successful planning, execution, and completion of capital projects, including equipment installations, facility upgrades, process improvements, and new product lines. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, project management, and engineering principles, with hands-on experience in collagen, food, pharmaceutical, or chemical processing environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Lead end-to-end execution of Cap Ex projects including scope definition, budgeting,

scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including production, maintenance, quality, EHS, and finance to ensure project alignment with operational goals.

• Develop and manage detailed project timelines and budgets; report regularly on

project progress, risks, and costs.

• Ensure compliance with internal standards, GMP, FDA, USDA, and other applicable

Regulations.

Production Engineering:

• Analyze production processes and recommend technical solutions to improve

efficiency, yield, and product quality.

• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, waste, and

operational costs.

• Support troubleshooting of process equipment and lead root cause investigations

for production issues.

• Assist in technology transfers and scale-up of new products and processes.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Generate and maintain engineering documentation, equipment specifications,

SOPs, and validation protocols.

• Support site audits and regulator inspections by providing technical documentation and expertise.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or

related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in production engineering and project

management within a manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record managing capital projects ($100K–$5M+) from concept through

commissioning.

• Experience in collagen, gelatin, food processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical

manufacturing preferred.

• Strong knowledge of GMP, food safety standards (HACCP), and regulatory

requirements.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP certification or equivalent project management training.

• Experience with clean-in-place (CIP) systems, drying technologies, filtration

systems, or bioprocess equipment.

• Experience with project management software (MS Project, Primavera, etc.) and

engineering tools (AutoCAD, Solid Works, etc.).

• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily on-site role with frequent time spent on the production floor.

• May require extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases.

• Occasional travel to vendors, contractors, or other company facilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Training and development opportunities