FPL Food
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for managing and executing engineering projects specific to the beef processing facility in Augusta. This role requires substantial experience in Protein processing and Further Processing operations, with an emphasis on improving operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering capital projects on time and within budget. The position works closely with cross-functional teams and external contractors to support continuous improvement in a USDA-regulated environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Manage multiple engineering and capital projects across the beef processing facility, ensuring adherence to project scope, timelines, and financial constraints. Develop detailed project scopes for leadership review, including layout drawings, cost estimates, schedules, and equipment specifications with a focus on harvest floor, rendering, hide, fabrication, ground beef, further processing and carcass handling systems. Supervise external vendors and contractors to ensure safe, timely, and compliant execution of projects in high-sanitation, regulated areas. Collaborate with Safety and Food Safety teams to ensure all designs and installations meet OSHA, USDA, and FSIS requirements-particularly those specific to humane handling, sanitation, and processing operations. Lead the installation and commissioning of new or upgraded equipment across harvest floor, offal, rendering, hides and cooler/chilling areas. Ensure all contractors follow FPL's Contractor Safety Program; actively monitor safety practices and compliance during project execution. Partner with Maintenance, Operations, and QA to resolve engineering-related challenges and implement long-term solutions. Provide leadership and technical support to junior engineers and project support staff.
EDUCATION Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Minimum 4 years of engineering experience in a beef processing facility or USDA-regulated meat processing plant. Minimum 4 years of capital project management experience, ideally involving kill floor or rendering systems. Minimum 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in an industrial or food manufacturing setting.
SPECIAL SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, & QUALIFICATIONS Strong understanding of protein processes, facility layout, and regulatory considerations. Proficiency in CAD software and 3D modeling for mechanical/electrical system designs. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high-impact projects with minimal supervision. Demonstrated success in process improvement, system reliability, and cost control. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis and statistical process control. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to interact effectively with operations, senior leadership, contractors, and regulatory personnel. Team-oriented mindset with proven ability to lead and influence in a fast-paced environment.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Up to 10% travel to other FPL facilities, vendors, or industry events. Frequent time required on the manufacturing floor, particularly in processing areas and new construction projects.
DISCLAIMER: This position description reflects the core functions and requirements of the Senior Project Engineer role. Duties may evolve based on operational needs and compliance obligations.
The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for managing and executing engineering projects specific to the beef processing facility in Augusta. This role requires substantial experience in Protein processing and Further Processing operations, with an emphasis on improving operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering capital projects on time and within budget. The position works closely with cross-functional teams and external contractors to support continuous improvement in a USDA-regulated environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Manage multiple engineering and capital projects across the beef processing facility, ensuring adherence to project scope, timelines, and financial constraints. Develop detailed project scopes for leadership review, including layout drawings, cost estimates, schedules, and equipment specifications with a focus on harvest floor, rendering, hide, fabrication, ground beef, further processing and carcass handling systems. Supervise external vendors and contractors to ensure safe, timely, and compliant execution of projects in high-sanitation, regulated areas. Collaborate with Safety and Food Safety teams to ensure all designs and installations meet OSHA, USDA, and FSIS requirements-particularly those specific to humane handling, sanitation, and processing operations. Lead the installation and commissioning of new or upgraded equipment across harvest floor, offal, rendering, hides and cooler/chilling areas. Ensure all contractors follow FPL's Contractor Safety Program; actively monitor safety practices and compliance during project execution. Partner with Maintenance, Operations, and QA to resolve engineering-related challenges and implement long-term solutions. Provide leadership and technical support to junior engineers and project support staff.
EDUCATION Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Minimum 4 years of engineering experience in a beef processing facility or USDA-regulated meat processing plant. Minimum 4 years of capital project management experience, ideally involving kill floor or rendering systems. Minimum 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in an industrial or food manufacturing setting.
SPECIAL SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, & QUALIFICATIONS Strong understanding of protein processes, facility layout, and regulatory considerations. Proficiency in CAD software and 3D modeling for mechanical/electrical system designs. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high-impact projects with minimal supervision. Demonstrated success in process improvement, system reliability, and cost control. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis and statistical process control. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to interact effectively with operations, senior leadership, contractors, and regulatory personnel. Team-oriented mindset with proven ability to lead and influence in a fast-paced environment.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Up to 10% travel to other FPL facilities, vendors, or industry events. Frequent time required on the manufacturing floor, particularly in processing areas and new construction projects.
DISCLAIMER: This position description reflects the core functions and requirements of the Senior Project Engineer role. Duties may evolve based on operational needs and compliance obligations.