Project Engineer

Riviana Foods • Memphis, TN

20d

About The Position

The Project Engineer performs engineering activities—including analysis, design, planning, direction, and coordination—for assigned food processing and packaging projects. The role aims to meet customer expectations, performance targets, schedules, and spending limits while working with minimal supervision. It is responsible for designing, managing, and starting up domestic capital projects, typically valued at $100,000 to $10 million, and also supports operating facilities and identifies innovations to improve operations.

Projects may involve upgrading or expanding existing and acquired facilities, or potentially constructing new facilities. The Project Engineer prepares project scopes, schedules, cost estimates, and basic engineering packages, and works with internal and external teams and contract firms on design, cost, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The role leads projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, and qualification, and provides technical support to Riviana manufacturing and packaging facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or an engineering-based degree.
• At least 5 years of project management experience in the design and installation of processing and/or packaging systems.
• Experience with food safety requirements such as GMP standards, HACCP, SQF, and BRC certification.
• Working understanding of and ability to construct Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Basic understanding of ASME, ANSI, NFPA, and other industry standards for design and construction.
• Working understanding of and ability to design and implement PLCs, controls, and related applications for automation and cost savings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, including root-cause analysis and development of engineering solutions to improve performance, capacity, quality, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing projects, monitoring budgets, and controlling departmental spending.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required; anticipated travel is approximately 20% to 40%, depending on project assignments.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Familiarity with processing, packaging, building systems, and utilities technologies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Leadership skills, adaptability, and ability to guide teams through organizational and operational changes.
• Ability to lead multiple projects and deliver within established timelines and budgets.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take ownership of responsibilities and project outcomes.
• Ability to identify and recommend solutions, new approaches, and process improvements.
• Foundational understanding of finance, product cost accounting, and statistical process control.
• Fundamental understanding of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and process control systems.

Nice To Haves

• Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree.
• Background with packaging equipment, including scaling, form-fill-seal machines, cartoning, casepacking, conveying, palletizing, metal detection, and checkweighing.
• Steam and drying experience.
• Proficiency in additional languages.
• Experience with SAP systems; SAP knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to analyze and plan requirements for food processing and packaging projects and cost studies.
• Prepare engineering specifications, design process and package flows, and prepare necessary drawings.
• Prepare project approval documentation for new products and systems, maintain project documentation, and monitor and control project costs.
• Lead projects through concept, design, installation, commissioning, and qualification to meet scope and objectives.
• Obtain and adopt applicable requirements, including building permits, environmental regulations, sanitary design, Good Manufacturing Practices, safety, codes, and OSHA regulations.
• Specify, obtain bids for, select, and purchase equipment, parts, and contract installation services.
• Supervise plant labor, contractors, and service personnel to coordinate work and complete projects on schedule.
• Provide troubleshooting, problem analysis, and technical support to Riviana manufacturing and packaging facilities.
• Administer maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems installed as part of assigned projects.
• Keep current with technological developments through professional study and journals, and initiate their use within Riviana Foods.
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity and priority simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive salaried compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Company-sponsored benefits to support health and well-being.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Career development opportunities to expand skills, develop professionally, and grow within the company.
• Opportunity to lead projects, contribute innovative ideas, and support continuous improvement.
• Collaborative work environment with a team committed to operational excellence, innovation, and shared success.

What This Job Offers

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