Project Engineer

Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc.; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company Contributions

Medical, Dental, and Vision — Day 1

Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Floating

Paid Parental Leave

Wellness Programs

Work Flexibility

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc. in Massachusetts is seeking a Project Engineer to deliver practical engineering support across design, installation, commissioning, and modification of utility systems and equipment in a food production setting.

This hands-on role requires on‑site work with equipment, contractors, and production teams. The candidate should have a BS in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and 3 years’ experience with automated equipment in manufacturing, plus plc

Qualifications

• Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English.
• Hands-on, self-starter with desire to develop technically and professionally.
• Proven plant engineering and science knowledge in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technically and proactively.
• Familiar with automation and hands-on with tools on the production floor.
• Travel and on-site work as required.

Responsibilities

• Supports management of CAPEX investments to meet time, cost, and project goals.
• Tests newly installed machines to ensure contract specifications are met.
• Develops user requirements for new equipment and modifications from concept through installation.
• Coordinates line start-ups and decommissioning events.
• Provides on-floor troubleshooting and collaborates with stakeholders including third‑party integrators, manufacturing, quality, and safety teams.
• Supports design reviews, specifications, and factory acceptance tests for equipment.
• Develops SOPs for equipment operation and preventive maintenance.
• Analyses workflows for productivity and tracks KPI improvements.
• Maintains costs and capital expenditures for quarterly reports.
• Drives project scopes, vendor coordination, and change management while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Education

BS in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC Troubleshooting

Job description

About Us

Eat Well, Live Well. At Ajinomoto Cambrooke, we build careers grounded in helping improve people’s health through nutritional therapies.

Ajinomoto Cambrooke (ACI) was founded by parents looking to develop better solutions for their children with PKU. Over the subsequent 25 years, we have expanded into additional therapeutic areas with a focus on enjoyable nutrition as a core part of normalizing the life for people living with medical conditions.

Joining ACI means becoming part of a diverse team of talented people who want to build their careers while contributing back to society in a positive way. We seek individuals who bring an entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action and finding solutions. We provide an environment based in mutual respect and collaboration to support you and give you opportunities to learn and develop.

Join us to find a rewarding work experience that lets you be at your best and have an impact on our patient communities.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Why Join Us

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We provide a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

We provide acomprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

Overview

The Project Engineer is responsible for delivering practical engineering support during the design, installation, commissioning, and modification of utility systems and manufacturing equipment in a food production environment. This is a hands‑on position that requires significant time on the plant floor working directly with equipment, contractors, and production teams.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• BS in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field of study.
• 3 years’ experience working with automated equipment in a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• 3 years’ experience in an aseptic and/or powder manufacturing environment preferred.
• 3 years’ experience with mechanical and electrical systems in a multitude of applications.
• 3 years’ experience in plant utilities, auxiliary systems (HVAC, fire/alarm suppressions, compressed air, cooling systems, boilers, steam)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English.
• Must be a hands‑on, self‑starter, with the desire to continue to develop technically and professionally.
• Demonstrated plant engineering and science knowledge attained through studies in mechanical, chemical or mechanical engineering.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge with the ability to proactively troubleshoot.
• Knowledgeable of automation and proven mechanical and electrical skills; must be comfortable working hands‑on with tools, equipment, and machinery on the production floor.
• PLC Troubleshooting skills required.
• Strong facility‑related assessment and troubleshooting skills (e.g.- mechanical and electrical).
• Ability to record, report and analyze and interpret complex business data.
• GMP and Safety knowledge (understanding OSHA requirements).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. Understanding of key operations details from automated machinery to internal and external processes.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, be on‑call, and travel as necessary.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to understand, implement, and monitor regulatory and safety guidelines.
• Ability to write reports, manuals, presentations, and summaries with clarity.
• The job requires technical knowledge, and the project engineer should have the ability to proactively troubleshoot and possess the desire to continue to develop technically and professionally.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position works in a food manufacturing environment and requires the ability to adhere to all GMP, Food Safety, workplace safety, and security policies including wearing required personal protective equipment, as well hair net, beard net, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions using hands, hand tools, and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors, bend, reach, push, and pull.
• Ability to use a computer, telephone, calculator, hand tools, and measuring devices required for the role.
• Ability to travel between MA based locations as travel domestically as required.

Responsibilities

• Supports management of CAPEX investments to meet the time, cost, and project goals.
• Tests newly installed machines and equipment to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications.
• Contribute to the development of user requirements for new equipment and modifications to existing equipment and systems from concept through supporting installation.
• Coordinate and manage line installments start‑ups and decommissioning events.
• During operations and capital projects, the project engineer will work with stakeholders including third‑party integrators, manufacturing, quality, and safety teams providing support for equipment and systems including on‑floor troubleshooting of equipment.
• During the construction of future projects, responsibilities will include supporting project teams with developing scope and justification, design reviews, assistance in the preparation of specifications, execution, and evaluation of factory acceptance tests for utility equipment, assessment of spare part requirements, assistance in the generation of preventive maintenance activities, and walk down of equipment systems prior to handover review.
• Addresses equipment issues identified by stakeholders; assesses production needs and opportunities; coordinates with internal groups and outside contractors; may assist, with manager oversight, the generation specifications for the procurement of equipment and instrumentation; installation modification of equipment and systems, reduces equipment downtime, develops and implements new capital project scopes, performs project management for non‑capital modification projects, supports compliance efforts related to deviations, CAPA, change management and contamination investigations.
• In conjunction with the maintenance personnel and equipment vendors, develop Standard Operating Procedures for equipment operation and parameter settings including preventative maintenance, predictive analysis, and work order scheduling.
• Analyze workflows for productivity, review KPI monitoring systems for improvement.
• Maintain associated business costs and capital expenditures for quarterly reports.
• Responsible for the design, development, and execution of engineering projects, calculations, diagrams, technical reports, and regulatory documents under supervision of engineering management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Range

$86,600.00-$106,000.00 Annually plus 12.5% potential bonus

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.