NY onsite Project Engineer II

Oregon Freeze Dry; Town of Rush (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Employee discounts

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Oregon Freeze Dry in Albany, NY seeks a Project Engineer II to lead capital projects from concept to start-up, deliver process improvements, and support manufacturing and maintenance for safe, efficient operations.

Requirements include 3+ years in food manufacturing project engineering, a Bachelor’s in Engineering, CAD/PLC/HMI skills, and knowledge of OSHA/FDA/USDA/SQF/ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of project engineering experience in food manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Biomedical) or closely related field.
• Proven experience leading scope, planning and execution of capital projects with cost estimation and financial analysis.
• Experience in PSM programs and regulatory standards (OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF, ISO).
• CAD proficiency and ability to document designs and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion, including cost estimates and scope definition.
• Coordinate bidding, budgeting, installation, and start-up activities.
• Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF, ISO and related codes.
• Research and implement innovative technologies to improve efficiency.
• Lead the Process Safety Management program for the NY site.

Skills

Capital project leadership

Project management

Lean/Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD software

PLC programming

HMI programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

PLC programming

HMI programming

Job description

Are you ready for your next adventure?

At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House© meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We’re proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.

We are looking for a Project Engineer II to join the Facilities and Engineering team. In this role, you’ll lead capital projects from concept to completion, advancing new equipment installations and process improvements. You’ll provide hands‑on technical support to manufacturing and maintenance, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across our facilities. The ideal candidate is someone who contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, brings industry experience and knowledge, and strong technical aptitude, and helps elevate our operations.

You Will Get To

• Lead and execute all aspects of capital projects assigned, including developing cost estimates, defining projects scope, capital appropriation requests, creating design specifications, overseeing bidding processes, managing budget and contractors, and coordinating installation, and start‑up.
• Establishes and maintains viable contractors, vendors, and fabricators.
• Research and recommend innovative technologies and equipment solutions to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
• Tracks plant utilities and collaborate with local energy groups and maintenance teams to support energy projects and incentives.
• Delivers technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams for the optimization and modification of plant systems, including steam, refrigeration, vacuum, air, and nitrogen, as well as processing and packaging operations.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations, including OSHA, USDA, FDA, UBC, SQF, and ISO standards.
• Utilize EAM software to add and update assets and analyze historical data to identify trends and inform project decisions.
• Leads the Process Safety Management (PSM) program for the New York site.
• Overseas preventative maintenance program for NY location.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Director and site leadership on construction, renovation, infrastructure, and maintenance initiatives, contributing to the company’s long‑term strategic plan.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Generally, a minimum of three (3) years of experience in project engineering within in the food manufacturing industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Biomedical) or closely related technical field is required.
• Proven experience leading the scope, planning, and execution of capital projects in a food or related manufacturing environment, including cost estimation, financial analysis, and project management.
• Strong technical aptitude for designing, developing, and implementing new equipment and processes within a production setting.
• Experience leading and/or actively participating in PSM programs.
• Proficiency in CAD software for design and technical documentation.
• Solid understanding of regulatory and industry standards such as OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF, and ISO.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma to enhance efficiency and performance.
• Working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, including troubleshooting and optimization.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLC programming, and HMI programming.
• Must have reliable transportation; and ability to work various hours within a 24/7 environment.

Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000 per year. The successful candidate's offer will be based on factors such as location, skills, experience and other qualifications. At Oregon Freeze Dry, we believe that our employees are the key to our success. That’s why we offer a competitive total rewards package aimed at supporting the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of you and your family.

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs.
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility.
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected.
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four‑legged family members.
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities.
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product.
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members.

Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.