Associate Project Engineer

The Role:

Meati Foods is a fast-growing food company with fermentation and food manufacturing at the core of our business. We are hiring controls/automation engineers to support our growth in food manufacturing with process controls, equipment automation, process data collection/historization, and capital project controls and instrumentation support. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be a key member of the Controls & Automation team to support the rapid growth of the company.

Responsibilities:

Control Systems & Automation

• Serves as technical lead for plant power and control systems and is a key member of Controls & Automation team.
• Works with the site Controls and Automation Manager to develop power, control standards, and ensure application of the standards in their area of responsibility.
• Knows, communicates, and ensures technician compliance to local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79 and OSHA 1910). Ensure equipment and safe practice compliance in their area of responsibility.
• Provides expertise in the design and implementation of controls and process automation applications, such as: control strategies, HMI design, and MES applications
• Owns parts or whole Key Elements for systems related to power and control system such as electrical safety (LOTO, Electrical PPE, Energized work permits, low voltage qualification, etc.) and Quality/CCP compliance (checkweighers, metal detectors, ingredient flows, temperatures, etc.).
• Works closely with engineering and operations leaders on selection and installation/start-up of new equipment. Becomes the technical expert on new equipment and ensures the training of others about control systems.
• Serves as project manager for initiatives ranging from E&I focused projects to complete capital projects.
• Provides power and controls engineering support on capital initiatives in their area of responsibility.
• Learns and applies advance control, simulation, and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall process and packaging operations.
• Apply sound controls and automation principles to food manufacturing processes and equipment selection.
• Specify and design instrumentation & controls and provides training to operators on new and existing processes and equipment.
• Develop cost justifications, scope, schedule, and budget estimates for new process controls and automation projects.
• Execute controls system commissioning activities, including onsite field engineering at new production facilities, new system validation and checkout, and the development of standard operating procedures.

Project Support:

• Prepare Best Value Option Analysis (BVOA) to compare solutions, cost for best value, and provide recommendations to project teams.
• Interface with Project Managers and/or contractors, vendors, and maintenance to ensure installation and completion of capital projects.
• Review, mark up, and approve drawings and other technical documentation for process systems.
• Develop Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) planning and executes successful FAT.
• Provide field installation supervision, leads commissioning, and field troubleshooting during startup phase.
• Identify and resolve technical problems.
• Communicate project status throughout the organization.
• Develop and execute IQ, OQ, PQ with project team during installation, commissioning, qualification, and verification project phases.
• Add value by influencing through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvement projects to increase productivity, reliability, sustainability, and cost reduction.
• Support a High-Performance Organization (HPO) environment by utilizing a total team approach to process improvements.:

Project Development

• Assists with development of capital plans.
• Assists with development of project charters and objectives in an environment where scope and deliverables may be ambiguous and needs to be brought into focus.
• Prepares Best Value Option Analysis (BVOA) to compare solutions and cost for best value and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Develops cost justifications, scope, schedule, and budget estimates.
• Writes, submits, and presents capital request documentation.
• Assists with development of project success criteria for vertical start up and alignment with sponsor and stakeholders.
• Support fermentation and food equipment design and selection.
• Develop cost justifications, scope, schedule, and budget estimates for new process systems and process upgrades.

Project Execution:

• Responsible for project scope execution, cost, schedule management and safety.
• Assists in the competitive selection process, contract negotiation process, and oversight of all design consultants, specialty vendors, and construction teams as necessary for each project.
• Reviews, marks up, and approves drawings and other project documentation
• Provides field installation supervision and field troubleshooting during construction.
• Coordinates and supervises contractors and vendor reps and construction management.
• Supports commissioning activities with project team during start-up phase of projects.
• Ensures that all technical deliverables, cost, and schedule requirements are met throughout the execution of the project.
• Adds value by influencing through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supports a High-Performance Organization (HPO) environment by utilizing a total team approach to capital project execution and process improvements.
• Forecasts spend for project costs, track budgets, and manage schedule.
• Provides regular project status updates.  

Qualifications:

• BS in electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3-4 years’ experience in the food manufacturing industry or similar.
• Controls Software; Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View (SE, ME), RS Linx, FT Linx, AssetCentre, Thin Manager, Active Directory, PI Historian, SQL
• Common field devices/instruments – Control Valves, Level, Pressure, Temperature, Flow, pH, Dissolved O2, Turbidity, Conductivity, and Position sensors.
• Motor Control – Knowledge of PowerFlex 525 & 755 VFD’s, disconnects w/aux contacts, circuit breakers, fuses, EMC filter
• Ability to configure Stratix 5700, IFM IO-Link, IFM AS-i 3.0 Gateways
• Ability to read and update electrical and control schematics
• Ability to read Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
• Ability to effectively engage, lead, and build capability on the floor
• Ability to work and manage within a team environment
• Experience learning and integrating innovative technologies
• Experience leading the installation of equipment in food manufacturing environment
• Initiative-taking and able to motivate others
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and critical thinking skills
• Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
• Excellent people skills
• Some travel may be required for plant support
• Willingness to work off-shifts or weekends as needed
• Must be open to 20% - 25% travel.

Compensation:

Range is $72,000 - $99,000, including a potential annual bonus equity. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience