Senior Capital Project Engineer - Dairy Manufacturing & Packaging

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company•Atwater, CA

18d•$120,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

Joseph Gallo Farms is seeking a hands-on Senior Capital Project Engineer to lead improvement projects across its Atwater manufacturing site. The engineer partners with operations, maintenance, quality, and external vendors to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget. The role leads projects from initial concept through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and closeout; develops project scope, justifications, budgets, schedules, equipment specifications, layouts, and process documentation; and coordinates reviews, vendor selection, startup, and handoff to operations and maintenance. The position also manages multiple projects, supports plant food-safety and quality systems, and complies with applicable plant, state, and federal regulations. It reports to the Director of Maintenance & Engineering and is scheduled for first shift, with flexibility according to operational needs. The work is based at a manufacturing plant. The environment is very loud, with ear plugs provided, and includes regular exposure to odor, noise, dust, heat, cold, and chemicals. The employee regularly works outdoors in varied weather. Physical demands include handling objects up to 50 pounds; bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs; and sitting and standing for extended periods.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in dairy plant equipment or mechanical engineering, sanitary design, CIP systems, HTST pasteurization, or related areas.
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated proficiency with engineering and project management software, including CAD and MS Office.
Working knowledge of the engineering project lifecycle.
Knowledge of system controls and sensors for manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of construction trades.
Sound problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with varying levels of management and Joseph Gallo Farms team members.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute tasks in a changing and demanding work environment.
Self-motivated, with strong ownership of assigned tasks.
Ability to lift and handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and sit and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Lead projects from ideation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and final closeout.
Develop and manage project charters, scope, capital justifications (including ROI, payback, and cost savings), and detailed project budgets.
Create and maintain project schedules, resource plans, and milestones to support on-time and on-budget delivery.
Develop equipment layouts, utility requirements, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and P&IDs.
Develop equipment specifications and RFQs/RFIs, evaluate technical proposals, and recommend vendor selection.
Lead process, mechanical, electrical, and controls design reviews and ensure alignment with plant standards.
Coordinate FAT/SAT, startup planning, commissioning checklists, and operational handoff to operations and maintenance teams.
Ensure documentation turnover, including as-builts, O&M manuals, spare parts lists, and training materials.
Manage multiple capital and improvement projects with internal teams and external partners.
Gather information from internal teams about products, speeds, methods, and materials to inform design decisions.
Facilitate risk assessments, pre-task planning, and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
Lead project update meetings and provide clear status reports to leadership.
Use office software and Excel to calculate savings, speeds, efficiency, and schedules.
Work with limited oversight, address project challenges, solve problems, and seek help when needed.
Comply with Plant, State, and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations.
Comply with plant GMPs and assist in maintaining the Food Safety and Quality System.