Lead Engineer, Project Engineering

American Sugar Refining; Arabi (LA); On-site; USD 2,000,000 - 100,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ASR Group is seeking a Senior Capital Project Engineer to lead large, complex capital programs at the Chalmette, LA refinery. The role focuses on plant safety, PSM, process improvements, capacity expansion, cost control, and regulatory compliance, guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring engineers.

The ideal candidate has extensive industrial experience, strong leadership, and will travel up to 15% while operating in an on-site refinery environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited).
• 15+ years in manufacturing process/project roles.
• Experience managing $5M+ Capex projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and close complex capital projects.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety and ops.
• Develop program investment strategies with stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and cost controls for programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide updates to senior leadership on progress and financials.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET accredited)

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Project

SAP

Job description

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group portfolio includes the leading brands Domino, C&H, Florida Crystals, Redpath, Tate & Lyle, Lyle's, Sidul and Whitworths. ASR Group companies also produce and market Tellus, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

This senior to advanced-level Capital Project Engineer role is responsible for leading large, complex capital programs and projects focused on plant safety, Process Safety Management (PSM), infrastructure, process improvements, capacity expansion, compliance, and operational efficiency. The position provides project and program leadership, manages budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder communications, and ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The role also leads cross-functional teams, mentors project engineers, and serves as a subject matter expert in engineering principles, project management, process equipment, and CAPEX processes. The ideal candidate has extensive industrial experience, strong technical and leadership capabilities, knowledge of applicable engineering and regulatory standards, and is willing to travel up to 15% while working in an industrial plant environment.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• This role is on site (5 days a week) at the Chalmette, LA refinery with infrequent travel to any of our refinery and/or non-refinery operations as required.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan, execute, and finalize complex projects and programs from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

• Develop program investment strategies including scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations and contract labor.
• Prepare and manage program budgets ($2M to $100M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Secure and allocate resources effectively to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
• Identify potential project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations at all project stages.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on program progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Provide guidance and oversight on technical aspects of projects, including process design, equipment selection, and construction activities.
• Own, contribute to and develop standards of design for ASR's operations consistent with industry best practices.
• Review peer engineering designs and ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices and company policies.
• Drive the development of best practices and innovative solutions which enhance our operational performance and reduce costs.
• Partner with Procurement to develop key partnerships with key equipment, engineering or construction services.
• Develop & execute Commissioning Plans for programs. Own the CQV and vertical start-up mentality.
• Manage external resources as needed to conduct detailed engineering designs, construction management and any other supplement project support.
• Oversee and support the execution/project delivery including scope definition and control, project cost control, cash-flow forecasts, schedules, construction management, training, project coordination and post-completion reviews.
• Responsible for process safety and environmental compliance/implementation projects.
• Ensure process PSM requirements are met.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

Bachelor's degree in any engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution; candidates with other technical degrees will be considered based on relevant process and project experience.

• 15+ years of experience in the manufacturing process and/or project focused role
• 15+ years of experience managing Capex projects within the manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of project management methodology on multiple $5M+ projects
• Ability to communicate and interact with multiple levels within an organization and professionally represent the company with outside vendors and engineering partners
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

Advanced degree related to engineering or project management

• Master's in Business Administration
• Project Management Professional certification
• Experience with Focused Improvement (DMAIC, Six Sigma certifications preferred)
• Experience with all elements of capital disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Power Distribution, Control Systems, Civil, Environmental, etc.)
• Experience with both batch and continuous flow manufacturing processes
• Experience with the OSHA PSM standard and covered processes
• People management (formal or informal) experience a plus

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, genderidentity, age,nationalorigin, disability, veteranstatusorany other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.