Project Lead, Mechanical

The Topeka, Kansas plant has a Full Time opening for a Technical Lead, Projects-Mechanical in the Plant Engineering Team. It is an hourly, non-rotational, technical position with responsibilities to lead the trades and work related to pipe and utility systems to support Capital Project execution and equipment installations across all areas of the plant, as well as support the Facility and Operations teams with maintenance and reliability issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the manufacture of pet foods and snacks while complying with all food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Understand and support company and site safety policies and perform work-related activities in a safe manner. Recognize unsafe working conditions, coach peers and suggest new safety standards as appropriate.
• Understand, follow and improve documented operational, maintenance and sanitation standards in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) work environment.
• Supervise the pipe fitting and insulation trades including daily planning and coordinating resources (equipment, contract labor and plant labor) as related to pipe and utility systems to support equipment installations and start-ups in alignment with Operations and Capital Project schedules.
• Provide support with supervision of the pipe fitting and insulation trades for Facility and Operations maintenance and reliability tasks as needed.
• Assist in cost estimating and procurement of equipment, materials and labor within established project budgets.
• Assist with organization and maintenance of plant documentation and drawings related to pipe and utility systems.
• Provide assistance and support to R&D and TSO for Plant tests in manufacturing and packaging areas.
• Lead projects to improve safety, quality or production results in a designated area.
• Work as part of a team and assist fellow employees when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Basic reading, writing and math skills
• Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Excellent documentation & organizational skills
• Ability to read and understand process flow and one-line drawings
• Knowledge of plant process systems and process flows
• Knowledge of plant equipment function, operation and maintenance
• Ability to follow procedures and rules
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays as required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow directions independently and provide clear instructions to fellow team members
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete work assignments with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work with Plant Teams, external contractors and vendors
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity, using questions and information to further team goals
• Commitment to principles of a team-based work environment

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• High-school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associates or technical degree or advanced training preferred.
• 3 years of relevant manufacturing, construction or industrial utilities work experience.
• Experience with process and utility pipe & pumping systems is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD 2D/3D is preferred.
• Previous mechanical maintenance or project lead experience preferred.
• Previous food manufacturing experience preferred.