Project Engineering Manager

Refresco Careers•Paw Paw, MI

About The Position

The Project Engineering Manager is responsible for planning and executing moderate to complex projects across Refresco facilities in an assigned region. This corporate role manages resources, timelines, budgets, suppliers, contractors, and procurement while ensuring projects meet safety, quality, food safety, and environmental standards. Projects may include line and process upgrades, new marketing initiatives, and building extensions. The manager supports Plant Managers with capital budgets, provides technical support across the company, maintains engineering documents for all plants, and coordinates with departments and cross-functional teams to deliver projects effectively. The role also drives equipment and line performance optimization through production-data analysis, root cause failure analysis, and the standardization of operating conditions. It influences preventive and predictive maintenance strategies and ensures new equipment and capital projects emphasize long-term reliability, maintainability, and operational stability. The position requires hands-on troubleshooting, project management, technical drawing and blueprint comprehension, and the ability to provide technical guidance on complex assignments. Travel is anticipated up to 25%. The work is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with pronounced pressure from deadlines and project-management demands.

Requirements

Strong time-management and multitasking skills to consistently meet deadlines.
Ability to identify root causes and implement effective, data-driven solutions.
Skill in data collection, analysis, and clear reporting to support decision-making.
Leadership presence and ability to engage others while ensuring accuracy.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive data.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Hands-on ability to troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and electrical issues.
Project-management skills, including planning and managing projects within scope, budget, and timeline.
Ability to navigate CAD software and create or modify technical drawings for engineering, maintenance, and operations.
Ability to comprehend building designs and read blueprints.
Knowledge of equipment assembly, construction, automated equipment, water processing equipment, and maintenance techniques.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, business management, or a related field preferred.
Five or more years of project-management experience preferred, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Ability to perform complex assignments and provide technical guidance to others at a journeyman level.
Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to meet the position’s attention-to-detail, focus-under-pressure, and project-deadline demands.
Ability to travel up to 25%.
Adherence to applicable health and safety policies, GMPs, food-quality and food-safety standards, and PPE requirements.

Nice To Haves

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred.
Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Experience in beverage manufacturing, specifically canned products, preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute medium- to large-scale projects in the region, including line upgrades, process upgrades, new marketing initiatives, and building extensions.
Develop regional budgets, write project proposals, manage suppliers, and execute project schedules.
Assist Plant Managers in developing capital budgets.
Communicate and coordinate with relevant departments and cross-functional teams to support efficient project execution and alignment.
Provide technical support throughout the company and develop solutions as needed.
Maintain pertinent engineering documents for all plants.
Analyze production data to identify operating limits and eliminate chronic losses across processing, filling, and packaging systems.
Lead root cause failure analysis on major downtime events and recurring issues, and implement permanent, system-level corrective actions across sites.
Define and standardize optimal line operating conditions to maximize throughput.
Influence preventive and predictive maintenance strategies using asset performance data and failure patterns.
Ensure new equipment and capital projects support long-term reliability, maintainability, and operational stability.
Ensure projects comply with OHSA, environmental regulations, and corporate standards; investigate and identify causes of non-compliance.
Manage contractors, suppliers, and other third-party project resources.
Oversee procurement of materials and equipment required for projects.
Adhere to health and safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices, food quality and food safety standards, and required personal protective equipment requirements.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and electrical issues as needed.