Project Engineering - Conway, AR

Project Engineer

Location: Conway, Arkansas - RTD Facility

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Position Summary

The Project Engineer at our Conway, Arkansas RTD (Ready-to-Drink) facility is responsible for providing technical leadership by identifying, developing, and executing capital projects for the factory. This role combines deep technical knowledge with strong project management capabilities to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that support manufacturing excellence. The ideal candidate will manage multiple concurrent projects, collaborate across departments, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead full lifecycle of capital projects: scope, budget, schedule, procurement, installation, and commissioning. - Conduct site audits and facility surveys to document existing conditions and develop as-built, conceptual, and construction drawings. - Develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery. - Prepare RFQ/RFP packages, evaluate vendor and contractor bids, and coordinate selection and onboarding. - Oversee on-site construction, installation, and start-up activities, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. - Manage adherence to project scope and secure approvals for all changes in projects. - Manage and control project budget providing cost forecasts and cash flow projections through development of project cost and status reports on at least a monthly basis or as requested by project stakeholders. - Manage and maintain project milestone schedules with integrated detailed scheduling as agreed upon.
• Manage data collection and feedback process for projects. - Provide construction management and plant startup assistance as needed to ensure successful project execution. - Evaluate, select, and issue contracts for construction firms through bidding and prequalification vetting processes. - Provide self-directed project management of assigned projects from end to end with minimal supervision from department manager.

Technical Engineering & Design

• Develop scope-of-work documents. - Develop and maintain budgets. - Develop and send mechanical RFQ/RFP packages to vendors and contractors. - Review and ensure that vendor and contractor quotations are correct and present to the Project Manager and the SVP of Engineering. - Compare vendor and contractor quotations, develop quote/bid comparison documents, and present to the Director of Engineering. - Create site bid documents & drawings. - Coordinate and conduct on-site bid meetings with installation contractors. - Assist with project start-up and implementation. - Research companies and machinery within industry to become familiar with new processes and technologies. - Assist with developing and maintaining company standards and make recommendations for improvements, including drawings, vendor information database, standard Westrock drawings, engineering procedures, electronic file organization, file naming, and directory structure. - Offer engineering and design consultation based upon sound engineering practices. - As needed, provide CAD assistance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Finance to align project goals with business objectives. - Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and contractors. - Support annual capital planning and contribute to long-term strategic engineering initiatives. - Provide technical support to Factory operations.

Other

• Ensure that the highest principles of ethical conduct on behalf of the community, consumer, company, and the engineering profession are adhered to and that all dealings are maintained within a competitive and fair environment and above reproach. - Support and encourage clear and open communication between the team members and related stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering - Minimum 3 years of experience in project engineering within a manufacturing or high-speed packaging environment. - Proven track record managing large-scale capital projects in a continuous manufacturing setting. - Food, beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience required. - NOT a REMOTE job, on site.
• Able to work weekends and holidays for projects when required. - Must have permanent residence.
• Strong project management skills with proficiency in MS Project, AutoCAD, and MS Office Suite. -
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems, equipment sizing, and process utilities. - Familiarity with food manufacturing regulatory requirements (GMPs, OSHA, EPA). -
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. -
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in cross-functional teams. - Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills. -
• Ability to analyze data. - Ability to use problem-solving techniques to resolve issues and implement change. -
• Proven ability to complete major projects in a manufacturing environment. - Ability to schedule resources effectively so continuous improvement is not sacrificed for day-to-day results. -
• Additional consideration for those that are considered subject matter experts in a particular field of engineering (process, packaging, refrigeration, etc.).