The Project Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting capital projects across multiple food manufacturing facilities. This role manages projects from concept through design, procurement, installation, startup, and closeout, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with food safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in food manufacturing environments and possess the technical, organizational, and communication skills necessary to successfully manage cross-functional projects involving production equipment, packaging systems, utilities, facility improvements, automation, and process optimization. This individual must be comfortable working independently and driving projects forward with minimal oversight.

This position requires the candidate to have a home base in one of our manufacturing sites: Riverside, CA; Conley, GA or Vineland, NJ.   This is an in-office position with some travel based on project locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead capital and continuous improvement projects from initial scope development through final implementation.
• Develop project charters, budgets, timelines, schedules, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, quality, sanitation, safety, procurement, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Manage equipment selection, vendor evaluations, bid processes, purchase orders, and contractor oversight.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and systems.
• Support projects involving processing equipment, packaging lines, material handling systems, utilities, refrigeration, wastewater, facility upgrades, and automation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, GMP, OSHA, USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, and company quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate project risks related to safety, downtime, cost, quality, and schedule.
• Track project costs and provide regular status updates to leadership.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including layouts, specifications, equipment standards, SOPs, and project reports.
• Support plant reliability and operational efficiency initiatives through process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause analysis during equipment startup and post-installation support.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities across the United States as needed based on project requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant engineering and project management experience in food manufacturing.
• Prior experience managing capital projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of food processing equipment, packaging systems, utilities, and plant operations.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors, budgets, and project schedules.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and other project management and design software.
• Strong ability to independently manage and execute projects with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% across the United States based on project load.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification or other project management certification.
• Experience with automation, PLCs, controls, and process instrumentation a plus.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Familiarity with refrigerated, frozen, fresh-cut, beverage, bakery, dairy, protein, or produce manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements including GMPs, HACCP, FDA, USDA, and OSHA.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The role requires interaction with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and leadership teams. Flexibility to support off-shift work, weekends, or shutdown periods may be required depending on project schedules.

Physical Demands:   This role requires the ability to walk manufacturing floors for extended periods, ability to climb ladders, stairs, and work around industrial equipment and the ability to work in varying plant environments including cold, wet, and noisy conditions. 

Join the Fresh Revolution with F&S Fresh Foods!

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada —every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers—from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh—from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you’re ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we’re planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

Our Values: As we continue to grow and provide leading edge products to our customers, we understand hiring the right people and treating them well is critical to our success. Everything we do starts with our values. These are the beliefs that we share and that strengthen our team. Our values shape our thoughts and actions every day. At F&S its Always FRESH and Always FUN!

Find the most positive path.

Respond swiftly, accurately, and nimbly.

Earn trust by sharing, helping, and keeping promises.

Serve up safety.

Have each other’s backs.

F&S Offers: We are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits program focused on your total well-being.

• Competitive compensation package
• A robust health and welfare benefits package that includes Life, Health, Dental, Vision
• The opportunity to plan for the future with a strong 401(K) including company match
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance to help you achieve your goals and continue your career growth.

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.