Hands-On Senior Project Engineer, Plant Equipment

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company; Atwater (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) with company match

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

Educational Reimbursement

Paid time off

Free cheese

Job summary

Joseph Gallo Farms is seeking a hands-on Sr. Project Engineer to lead improvement projects at our Atwater manufacturing site. You will partner with operations, maintenance, quality, and outside vendors to deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.

The role requires 5+ years in plant equipment/ME engineering, a BS in engineering, and strong CAD/MS Office proficiency. You will manage charters, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in plant equipment / mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD and MS Office.
• Knowledge of engineering project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of system controls and sensors for manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of construction trades.
• Sound problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varying levels of management and team members.
• Able to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute tasks in a changing and demanding work environment.
• Self-motivated, with strong ownership of tasks assigned.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from ideation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and final closeout.
• Develop & manage project charters, scope, capital justifications (ROI, payback, cost savings), and detailed project budgets.
• Create & maintain project schedules (Gantt charts), resource plans, and milestones to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Develop equipment layouts, utility requirements, and process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs.
• Develop equipment specifications and RFQs/RFIs; evaluate technical proposals and recommend vendor selection.
• Lead design reviews (process, mechanical, electrical, controls) and ensure alignment with plant standards.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT, startup planning, commissioning checklists, and operational handoff to operations and maintenance teams.
• Ensure proper documentation turnover including as-builts, O&M manuals, spare parts lists, and training materials.
• Manage multiple capital and improvement projects, engaging with both internal teams and external partners.
• Work with internal teams to gather information about products, speeds, methods, and materials to inform design decisions.
• Facilitate risk assessments, pre-task planning, and MOC processes.
• Lead project update meetings and provide clear status reporting to leadership.
• Apply working knowledge of office software and Excel to calculate savings, speeds, efficiency, and schedules.
• Work with limited oversight - able to overcome project challenges, work through problems, and solicit help when needed.

Skills

Engineering lifecycle

System controls

Construction trades

Problem solving

Communication

Planning & organization

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD

MS Office

Job description

Joseph Gallo Farms is seeking a hands-on Sr. Project Engineer to lead improvement projects at our Atwater manufacturing site. You will partner with operations, maintenance, quality, and outside vendors to deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.

The role requires 5+ years in plant equipment/ME engineering, a BS in engineering, and strong CAD/MS Office proficiency. You will manage charters, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments in a fast-paced environment.