Are you passionate about sustainable food production and eager to make a tangible impact in the organic dairy industry? Straus Family Creamery is dedicated to producing high-quality organic dairy products while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and innovation. We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Project Engineer to join our Research & Development team in leading and manage engineering projects from conception to completion. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and the chance to be part of a mission-driven company making a difference!

REPORTING: Director R&D

FSLA: Exempt

HOURS: Full-time

JOB OBJECTIVE: The Project Engineer supports capital and operational projects within a food manufacturing environment. This role manages the planning, execution, and completion of projects including new equipment procurement, installation and commissioning, process development, and support for new product commercialization. The Project Engineer collaborates cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain to ensure successful project outcomes that enhance plant efficiency, product quality, and overall operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Capital Projects & Equipment Installation

• Lead projects involving the selection, procurement, installation, and startup of new equipment.
• Develop scopes of work, manage RFQs, and coordinate vendor activities including site access, utilities, and commissioning.
• Ensure new equipment meets design, safety, and performance specifications and integrates seamlessly with existing operations.

Process Engineering & Validation

• Define and document production processes, including flow diagrams, specifications, and equipment parameters.
• Lead process validation activities include design of experiments, capability studies, and data analysis.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and ensure process repeatability.

New Product Commercialization

• Partner with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support scale-up and commercialization of new products.
• Assist in the design and setup of manufacturing lines to accommodate new product requirements.
• Ensure manufacturability, regulatory compliance (GMP, HACCP), and process control for new SKUs.

Project Management & Documentation

• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, budgets, and resource plans using project management tools available in Microsoft office, Redzone and ASANA
• Maintain accurate project records, including meeting minutes, status reports, and equipment documentation.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders and facilitate cross-functional meetings as per schedule and as per needed.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all projects adhere to safety, environmental, and food regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, FDA, USDA, NOP)
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions as needed during project execution.
• Participate in equipment safety validations and operator training before handover to production.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 2+ years’ experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
• Experience managing capital projects from conception through commissioning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (GMP, HACCP), sanitary equipment design, and regulatory compliance, preferred.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, preferred
• Passion for organics industry, sustainability, and responsible business, preferred

Competencies

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Effective interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships at all levels, collaborate with team members and stakeholders, and to maintain a positive working environment.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve process issues.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth understanding of process engineering principles and methodologies.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to ensure accuracy and quality in all tasks.
• Change Agent: Ability and willingness to promote appropriate change and improvement.

Physical & Mental

• Primarily based in a manufacturing facility with routine time spent on the production floor.
• Ability to communicate via speech, writing and hearing with employees, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
• Ability to work on a computer and look at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -20° to 100° Fahrenheit.
• Working in cold, wet, humid environments and in high allergen environments is essential.

Work Location

• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA.
• Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 pm but may vary. Flexibility to work different shifts when required, to be on call after hours, and to work weekends and all holidays is required.
• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• Ability to travel to different work locations and meeting sites, up to 15% of time.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.