Project Engineer

TruRoots Company; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading natural food manufacturer in Chico, CA is seeking a Project Engineer to drive capital projects and enhance operational efficiency. This role includes managing project execution, improving plant performance, and liaising across departments to support manufacturing excellence. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 3–5 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing setting. The position requires hands-on involvement on the production floor and a flexible schedule to meet production needs.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing capital projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of capital projects including feasibility analysis and design.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability and plant performance.
• Support new product introductions, upgrades, and process changes.

Skills

Project management

Manufacturing process optimization

Lean methodologies

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD or engineering design tools

Job description

PROJECT ENGINEER – TRUROOTS (CHICO, CA)

Salary $86,000 - $107,000

About TruRoots

TruRoots Company is a leading natural and organic food manufacturer rooted in sustainable practices—from farm to fridge—under brands such as TruRoots™, R.W. Knudsen™, and Santa Cruz Organic™. Our Chico, CA facility is recognized for product quality, environmental stewardship, waste reduction, water conservation, renewable electricity, and adherence to a Zero Waste to landfill strategy.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer is a key technical and project leader responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of capital projects and manufacturing improvements at the Chico facility. This role drives plant performance through engineering solutions that enhance reliability, throughput, safety, and operational efficiency. The Project Engineer leads cross‑functional initiatives from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with operational and business objectives. The position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain to support manufacturing excellence, process optimization, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Project & Capital Management (Primary Focus)

• Lead end-to-end execution of capital projects, including scope development, feasibility analysis, design, budgeting, vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and cost estimates; monitor progress and ensure alignment with financial and operational targets.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and engineering partners to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, GMP, and food safety requirements.
• Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and validation activities (CQV).
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, documentation, and project governance processes.

Manufacturing & Operations Engineering

• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, line efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Analyze production data to identify losses, downtime drivers, and process inefficiencies; implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, TPM, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Support automation, controls, and process enhancements to improve productivity and consistency.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operators and maintenance teams.

Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to reduce variation, waste, and defects while maintaining product quality.
• Support scale‑up and commercialization of new products and technologies.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, capacity improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure processes comply with regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

Packaging Engineering (Supporting Function)

• Support packaging‑related projects as part of broader capital and process initiatives.
• Evaluate packaging systems for manufacturability, efficiency, and compatibility with production equipment.
• Participate in packaging trials, line validations, and material evaluations as needed.
• Collaborate with R&D and Supply Chain on packaging improvements aligned with operational capabilities.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as the engineering liaison across Operations, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain.
• Support new product introductions, equipment upgrades, and process changes.
• Maintain and organize technical documentation, including layouts, P&IDs, specifications, SOPs, and validation records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or related field).
• Minimum 3–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (food, beverage, or CPG preferred).
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects and leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, equipment, and process optimization.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM).
• Familiarity with automation, controls, or PLC systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze data, solve complex problems, and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD or engineering design tools (preferred but not primary focus).

Work Environment & Schedule

• Based on‑site at the Chico manufacturing facility.
• Requires regular presence on the production floor with exposure to machinery and moderate noise.
• Schedule aligned with production needs; flexibility for off‑shifts, weekends, and project execution phases is required.
• Occasional travel to vendors, suppliers, or partner facilities.