NY onsite Project Engineer II

OFD Foods, LLC•Rush, NY

41d•Onsite

About The Position

Oregon Freeze Dry is seeking a Project Engineer II to join their Facilities and Engineering team. This role will lead capital projects from concept to completion, focusing on new equipment installations and process improvements. The Project Engineer II will provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations. The ideal candidate will contribute to continuous improvement, possess industry experience and knowledge, have strong technical aptitude, and help elevate operations.

Requirements

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in project engineering within the food manufacturing industry.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Biomedical) or closely related technical field.
Proven experience leading the scope, planning, and execution of capital projects in a food or related manufacturing environment, including cost estimation, financial analysis, and project management.
Strong technical aptitude for designing, developing, and implementing new equipment and processes within a production setting.
Experience leading and/or actively participating in PSM programs.
Proficiency in CAD software for design and technical documentation.
Solid understanding of regulatory and industry standards such as OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF, and ISO.
Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma to enhance efficiency and performance.
Working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, including troubleshooting and optimization.
Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLC programming, and HMI programming.
Must have reliable transportation.
Ability to work various hours within a 24/7 environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute all aspects of assigned capital projects, including developing cost estimates, defining project scope, capital appropriation requests, creating design specifications, overseeing bidding processes, managing budget and contractors, and coordinating installation and start-up.
Establish and maintain viable contractors, vendors, and fabricators.
Research and recommend innovative technologies and equipment solutions to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
Track plant utilities and collaborate with local energy groups and maintenance teams to support energy projects and incentives.
Deliver technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams for the optimization and modification of plant systems, including steam, refrigeration, vacuum, air, and nitrogen, as well as processing and packaging operations.
Ensure all work complies with applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations, including OSHA, USDA, FDA, UBC, SQF, and ISO standards.
Utilize EAM software to add and update assets and analyze historical data to identify trends and inform project decisions.
Lead the Process Safety Management (PSM) program for the New York site.
Oversee the preventative maintenance program for the NY location.
Collaborate with the Engineering Director and site leadership on construction, renovation, infrastructure, and maintenance initiatives, contributing to the company’s long-term strategic plan.