Project Engineer

For Current Agropur Employees: Please apply for this job through the Career application of your Workday Home Page. Job Type: Regular Working at Agropur means choosing a committed employer who invests daily to give its employees the means to develop professionally. It is also means being part of a large family where simplicity and honesty are lived on a daily basis and where the management style is based on integrity, openness and autonomy. Invest in yourself and join Agropur to realize your full potential. Invest in you, Join Agropur. We dairy you! Agropur’s US operations produce approximately 1 billion pounds of quality, award winning cheese each year. The US operations produce more than 20 different cheese varieties along with whey protein and dry ingredients. What Agropur invests in YOU: Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focusing on your physical, financial and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings: 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to a 7% company match Tuition Reimbursement Program Support to meet everyday challenges as well as resources to support elderly loved ones Wellness resources to help you stay fit and well Internal Advancement Opportunities for both lateral and promotional growth Leadership Development and Mentorship Programs Opportunities to support our local communities Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees Chance to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives Commitment to producing high quality nutritious products and providing nourishment around the world What this role is all about: We are looking for a Project Engineer in Lake Norden, SD. The Project Engineer works collaboratively with fast-paced cross-functional teams to solve complex issues, set goals, track deliverables, and report out. The Project Engineer is responsible for conducting engineering assessments, cost estimates, design requirements and execution of capital projects. This position works closely with plant management/corporate functions on development of project scope, process design, capital and expense estimates, contractor/vendor selection, equipment specifications and purchases, implementation timeline and coordination of execution plans. The Project Engineer reviews deliverables prepared by construction team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Apply company methodologies and enforce project standards. Minimize expenses and risks of project. Enforce safety standards and construction best practices. Track and report team hours and expenses. Prepare process designs, equipment specifications and capital estimates for process upgrades, modifications to existing systems and installation / commissioning of new assets. Provide methods, equipment recommendations and standard operating practices to optimize processes and meet product specifications. Facilitate training as necessary. Conduct plant assessments to identify asset deficiencies; execute corrective action as required. Work with plant management/corporate functions on project planning involving business growth / innovation, quality improvement, and safety. Maintain an understanding of and compliance with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediate reporting of any potential food safety issues to management. Coordinate implementation, write technical specifications, prepare plans and quotes, and allocate contracts for capital expenditure projects. Regularly communicate with on-site contractors to instruct, guide and answer questions. Troubleshoot problems with production and takes corrective action or proposes necessary capital projects to correct. Prepare and closely manage project budgets to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Perform cost/benefit analysis for various design alternatives. Interface with vendors to evaluate material and equipment selections. Interface with suppliers for field support of various equipment and systems. Assist in plant start-up and commissioning activities. Support environmental permitting and compliance issues. What you need: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Minimum three (3) years of project engineer experience required. Dairy, Food, or Sanitary Process background required. (Insert requirements only or any distinguishing preferred qualifications) Where you’ll be working: Our Lake Norden, SD, plant is home to about 400 employees and boasts a brand new, state-of-the-art cheese and whey facility. The facility produces monterey jack, muenster, asiago, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, cheddar and romano cheeses, as well as various whey streams. The Lake Norden area is known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor activities. There are both small and large towns within the area offering great schools and healthcare. Visit the Watertown Chamber site www.watertownsd.com for more information on local events. AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity