Project Engineer

GEA Group • Oakdale, CA

19d • $85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Project Engineer is a key member of the Project Engineering team, supporting the Filtration Engineering group in the successful, timely, and profitable execution of customer projects. The role supports and/or leads engineering activities across the full project lifecycle while ensuring compliance with GEA standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulations. Projects may involve technologies used in beverage, dairy, and emerging food applications. The Project Engineer may also serve as Project Manager for assigned projects.

The position contributes to project success by delivering efficient engineering solutions, proactively managing technical and execution risks, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and contract profitability. It includes customer-facing project activities, engineering design and documentation, equipment specification, coordination with internal and external teams, and support for installation, commissioning, start-up, and training. Travel is up to 30%, with some international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience preferred, particularly in food, dairy, or beverage industries.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong customer focus and service orientation.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and decisive, with sound commercial and business acumen.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to develop leadership capabilities and influence project outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
• Comfort working in high-pressure or time-sensitive project environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software tools.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa or work sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant industry experience in food, dairy, or beverage industries (minimum 3 years preferred).

Responsibilities

• Participate in all project phases, from initial customer meetings and pre-award support through cost estimation, proposal development, engineering, commissioning, and start-up.
• Serve as the technical owner for assigned project areas by specifying equipment and engineering solutions that meet customer requirements, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Apply engineering standards and optimize designs to meet customer specifications while controlling project costs.
• Identify technical, scheduling, execution, and commercial risks, and take appropriate action to meet project commitments.
• Document customer meetings, discussions, and correspondence; maintain organized project documentation and technical files, including version control and approval tracking.
• Collaborate with designers to develop General Arrangement (GA), Hole & Load, utility, instrumentation layout, and motor location drawings.
• Create and maintain utility lists, equipment tag lists, and component specifications.
• Specify and size system components such as pumps, valves, instrumentation, and related equipment.
• Prepare technical specifications and participate in design reviews.
• Review, evaluate, and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Coordinate equipment shipment to customer sites with the logistics team.
• Support installation activities, including mechanical punch-list closeout.
• Perform on-site I/O checks and mechanical checkout of installed equipment.
• Support commissioning and start-up, including operator and maintenance training at customer sites.
• Ensure engineering and commissioning activities comply with GEA standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Use GEA tools, templates, and documentation throughout project phases.
• Provide technical input to the Project Manager for project planning, execution, risk mitigation, work breakdown structures, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver project milestones and ensure design applicability.
• Provide technical support for troubleshooting equipment, system performance, and process issues.
• Assist with planning and executing testing procedures, installation RFQs, site support activities, commissioning plans, and site acceptance testing.
• Support identification and justification of scope changes; assist with cost and schedule impact estimates and change order preparation.
• Prepare RFQ documentation and support Procurement with vendor technical evaluations, selection, and management.
• Support Service organization activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with government safety and environmental regulations and industry standards, including sanitary requirements.
• Follow GEA Environmental Health & Safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Assist with preparation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals and spare parts lists.
• Develop project schedules to meet defined milestones.
• Deliver technical or project status presentations to customers and/or internal stakeholders as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• May act as Project Manager for select projects.
• Travel up to 30%, including some international travel.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on the first day.
• 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday.
• 136 hours of PTO.
• 7% 401(k) employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness incentive program.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts.
• May be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on eligibility and/or equity awards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level