Corporate Project Engineer

Daisy Brand; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Daisy Brand in Ames, IA is seeking a Corporate Project Engineer to manage processing and packaging equipment installations, coordinate contractor work, and lead startup and commissioning efforts. The role focuses on project management of new installations and continuous improvement, with primary use of Rockwell Automation, ControlLogix 5000, and Aveva ArchestrA.

You will serve as a technical resource across multiple facilities, mentor engineers and maintenance staff, and work with the Corporate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science in engineering or related field preferred (experience may substitute).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing projects.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs required.
• AutoCAD experience preferred.
• Experience with Wonderware, Archestra System Platform and/or MES preferred.
• Experience with large capital project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage Capital Projects from Conceptual Design through Start-up, including cost estimating and timelines.
• Direct contractors and OEM technicians on-site during installation and commissioning.
• Oversee installation, I/O checkout, startup and plant acceptance.
• Design and specify OEM equipment, automation panels and hardware.
• Provide PLC ladder logic programming and HMI support.
• Mentor other engineers, maintenance and operations staff.
• Coordinate with Daisy’s Corporate Controls and Automation group for automation and network integration.

Skills

Project management

Allen Bradley PLCs

AutoCAD

Wonderware Archestra

MS Project

Ladder logic programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred

Experience may substitute for degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Wonderware Archestra

MES

Job description

Position Summary

The Corporate Project Engineer will manage and support both processing and packaging equipment installations, integration, as well as managing contractors during installation, startup and commissioning. The primary software applications for this position will be Rockwell Automation, Control Logix 5000, Aveva (Wonderware) Archestra.

Position Summary

The Corporate Project Engineer will manage and support both processing and packaging equipment installations, integration, as well as managing contractors during installation, startup and commissioning. The primary software applications for this position will be Rockwell Automation, Control Logix 5000, Aveva (Wonderware) Archestra. The primary focus of this position will be project management of new installations, optimization as well as continuous improvement initiatives. The position will function as a technical resource that may be called upon by any one of the three production facilities. This is a service-oriented role that will work closely with various departments, and/or peers to solve problems and assist as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management - Manage Capital Projects from Conceptual Design through Start-up. This would include, but not limited to: cost estimating, specifications, design, PID review and management of timelines.
• In the field directing contractor of all trades, working with OEM technicians, and working with plant personnel will be part of the role’s responsibility.
• Installation, I/O Checkout, Startup, and Plant Acceptance.
• Design and Specification of OEM Equipment, Automation Panels and Hardware.
• Provide Direction and Support for PLC ladder logic programming and HMI Applications.
• Provide Technical Mentorship and Direction for other Engineers, Maintenance and Operations Personnel.
• Works closely with Daisy’s Corporate Controls and Automation group to prepare for and support all project requiring automation, network integration and controls work.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's of Science in an Engineering or related field is preferred (Experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing projects.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs is required.
• Experience in AutoCAD is preferred.
• Experience with Wonderware, Archestra System Platform and/or MES is preferred.
• Experience with Project Management of large capital initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong Computer Skills (Word, Excel, MS Project)
• Ability to utilize Rockwell software to aid in commissioning of Ladder Logic Programming
• Installation and startup of Process and/or Packaging equipment is preferred.

Company Overview

Daisy Brand is the market leader in two billion-dollar categories – sour cream and cottage cheese. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, we’ve earned the trust of Americans through consistency and quality across five generations as a family-owned company. Our success has been guided by a simple belief: good food, much like good work, starts with integrity. That mindset continues to shape how we make our products, run our business, and support the people behind the brand.

At Daisy Brand, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We invest thoughtfully in advancements that strengthen our products and operations, supporting responsible, long-term growth. In 2025, we broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Boone, Iowa, further strengthening our supply chain alongside our established plants in Garland, Texas; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Wooster, Ohio. Looking ahead, our state-of-the-art Innovation Center, opening in 2026, will bring together research, food science, culinary, and technology teams to shape the future of our products. Recent work from these teams includes the development of the squeeze pouch and new line of dips, reflecting an intentional approach to modernization while staying true to the quality our consumers expect.

At the heart of Daisy Brand is its people. The company is intentionally structured to be collaborative and accessible, with an entrepreneurial mindset encouraged at every level. We hire with the goal of building long-term careers and provide an environment where employees are trusted to think critically, take initiative, and continue learning. Growth here isn’t accidental; it’s actively supported and shared.

To support our employees and their families, Daisy Brand offers a people-first benefits package that includes:

• A no deductible, $0premium option for employee only medical coverage
• Access to virtual healthcare and wellness programs
• A 401(k) program with company match, plus weekly safe harbor and annual profit-sharing contributions
• Company paid short and long-term disability coverage and 2x annual salary in life and AD&D insurance
• Four weeks of paid time off, plus 20 hours of floating holidays in your first full year of employment
• Annual rollover and payout options for any unused paid time off
• Paid time for volunteering and community involvement
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Fitness and wellness incentives
• And more.

Daisy Brand is a nicotine-free company. Daisy Brand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and disabled encouraged to apply.