Project Engineer

Job Summary:

A Project Engineer acts as a key member of project engineering team supporting the Food and Dairy Department in the successful and timely completion of assigned projects. The individual supports and/or executes projects by maintaining or increasing profitability of contracts through efficient engineering design and execution, while simultaneously achieving customer satisfaction. Projects may be comprised of different technologies consisting of Spray Drying, Evaporation, Filtration and Liquid Processing.  The focus for this position is on the Spray Drying technology. Additionally, the Project Engineer may act as the Project Manager for select projects.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participates in all phases of a project from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, cost estimation, proposal generation, engineering, commissioning and start up.  Is responsible for specific technical areas of the project, specifying technical solutions and equipment which meet customer expectations/specifications within the time and budget constraints of the contract.
• Adheres to design standards and optimization of engineering designs to meet customer specifications within project budgets. 
• Proactively anticipates technical, schedule, execution or commercial problems and exercises judgment to meet project commitments.
• Responsible for documenting and keeping accurate records of customer meetings, discussions and correspondence as well as maintaining well-organized technical files for project document control – i.e., generating outgoing deliverables, document transmittals, version control, tracking incoming customer approvals and filing.
• Responsible for working with designers to complete General Arrangement and Hole and Load Drawings.
• Creates and maintains utility lists and equipment tag lists.
• Specifies and sizes components such as valves, pumps, instrumentation, etc. 
• Creates component technical specifications for design department and participates in design reviews. 
• Evaluates and approves design changes, specifications, and drawing releases. 
• Responsible for coordination of shipping equipment to site with logistics department support.
• Supports close out of mechanical punch-list items during installation phase of projects.
• Performs input/output (I/O) and mechanical checkout of installed equipment on site. 
• Assists with maintenance and operator training at customer sites during project start up.
• Responsible for completion of engineering and commissioning tasks for projects according to GEA standards, customer specifications and applicable regulations. 
• Utilizes the tools and documentation defined by the GEA standards through all phases of the project. 
• Provides detailed information to the project manager to facilitate planning and execution of the project including risk identification and mitigation, work breakdown structures and activity lists.
• Works with cross functional teams to complete project deliverables, determine customer needs and ensure the applicability of designs and solutions.
• Provides technical support to resolve customer problems related to equipment/system performance and process trouble shooting.
• Assist in planning and implementation of tasks such as test procedures, installation RFQ and site support, commissioning plans and site acceptance based on contractual requirements. 
• Actively supports the Department/Project Manager in identification and justification of scope changes and assists in preparation of subsequent cost/schedule impact estimates and change orders to be submitted to the customer.
• Create request for quotations documents and assist Procurement in vendor technical bid evaluation, vendor selection and management.
• Support service organization efforts as required.
• Be familiar and ensure compliance with government regulations, such as safety standards, environmental regulations, etc. and industry standards such as sanitary requirements.
• Adheres to GEA Environmental Health and Safety policies in addition to OSHA regulations.
• Assists in the preparation of O&M manuals and Spare Parts List.
• May simultaneously be assigned to act as Project Manager on select projects.
• Responsible for utility, instrumentation, and motor location drawings. 
• Supports the Department/Project Manager in developing project plans, cost estimates and execution plans. 
• May be required to make technical and/or project progress presentations to management and/or customers. 
• Responsible for generating schedules to accomplish the project/program milestones.
• Timely in responses and actions to other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Able to be self-motivated, take initiative, be decisive, and have commercial / business acumen.
• Admirable sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to continue developing strong leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or similar related degree.
• 2+ years experience with similar responsibilities.
• Experience with US Dairy industry standards (3A, USDA) preferred.
• Experience with fabrication drawings / Blueprint reading preferred.
• Able to work independently with supervision as necessary. 
• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time (Typically around 25% on average)

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $80,000 - $120,000 per year.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:

•    12 Paid Holidays
•    PTO – Paid time off
•    Medical Plans
•    Dental Insurance
•    Vision Insurance
•    Health Savings and Spending Accounts
•    Tuition Reimbursement 
•    401k with excellent employer match
•    Wellness Incentive Program
•    Employee Assistance Program

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GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.