Project Engineer / Project Manager — Industrial Food Processing Equipment (OEM)

About the Company

Our client, a division of a global leader in the industrial food processing industry, has provided sales, engineering, and service solutions to the meat, poultry, and seafood processing industry for more than 40 years. They specialize in total line solutions — from consultation and system design through manufacturing and integration — delivering turnkey, high-capacity processing systems for leading food producers.

With approximately 130 employees and $45M in annual revenue, their Gainesville, Georgia operation designs and manufactures stainless steel equipment supporting large-scale industrial food processing. The organization is built on quality engineering, precision manufacturing, customer partnership, and continuous innovation.

Position Summary

We have been engaged to identify a hands-on Project Engineer / Project Manager to lead the full lifecycle execution of complex, multi-million-dollar industrial equipment projects. This role combines mechanical engineering expertise with project leadership responsibility, overseeing design coordination, fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of large-scale stainless steel food processing systems.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Own full project lifecycle from design review through fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning.
• Manage multi-million-dollar equipment builds, schedules, and execution plans.
• Lead build activities for large stainless steel industrial processing equipment.
• Coordinate project scope, timelines, and resources across engineering, manufacturing, and field service.
• Ensure projects meet technical, quality, and delivery objectives.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership for industrial food processing equipment.
• Review and support equipment designs using SolidWorks.
• Support integration of mechanical systems with Allen-Bradley PLC controls.
• Ensure compliance with sanitary design principles and food safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in design, manufacturability, and system performance.

Team Leadership

• Lead and direct a team of welders, assemblers, and field service technicians (up to 20 personnel).
• Provide technical guidance, task prioritization, and performance direction.
• Coordinate work across mechanical and electrical engineering teams.

Customer & Vendor Engagement

• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers throughout project execution.
• Coordinate equipment installation and commissioning activities at customer sites.
• Manage vendor and supplier relationships supporting project delivery.

Quality & Operational Excellence

• Ensure adherence to manufacturing standards, safety requirements, and company quality expectations.
• Identify risks and resolve technical and execution challenges proactively.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within engineering and production.

Required Qualifications

• Strong mechanical engineering background.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in project engineering, equipment manufacturing, or industrial systems.
• Experience leading technical teams in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Experience working with large mechanical systems, fabrication, or equipment assembly.
• Ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced OEM environment.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with food processing or industrial OEM equipment.
• Experience with stainless steel fabrication and sanitary equipment design.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLC-controlled systems.
• Experience managing full lifecycle equipment projects.
• PMP or project management certification.
• Experience supporting installation and commissioning of industrial equipment.

Work Environment & Location

• Location: Gainesville, Georgia
• Primarily on-site role with limited remote flexibility
• Travel: approximately 0–25% (customer installations and support)

Why You Want to Work Here

• Lead high-impact, multi-million-dollar equipment projects.
• Work in a hands-on engineering leadership role with significant ownership.
• Join a stable, growing organization backed by a global industry leader.
• Influence large-scale industrial food production technology.

Compensation and Benefits

•           Competitive Salary
• 401k matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Company paid STD and LTD
• Paid vacation
• PTO (in addition to vacation)
• Vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement