Project Engineer

Riviana Foods Inc. - USA; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Career development

Meaningful impact

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Riviana Foods Inc. USA is seeking a Project Engineer in Memphis, TN to manage processing and packaging capital projects from concept through startup, focusing on on-time, on-budget delivery with GMP, HACCP, SQF and local regulatory compliance.

You will develop scopes, schedules, and cost estimates, lead cross-functional teams, and implement automation and process improvements across Riviana facilities. A strong engineering background and 5+ years of project management are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or Engineering-based degree; Mechanical or Chemical preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in the design and installation of processing and/or packaging systems.
• Excellent written and verbal English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Willing to travel 20%–40% depending on project assignments.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Familiar with GMP, HACCP, SQF and BRC; SAP knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and plan requirements for food processing/packaging projects and cost studies.
• Prepare engineering specs and design process/flows; draw needed diagrams.
• Prepare project approval docs and monitor costs within scope.
• Lead projects from concept through installation and qualification.
• Ensure compliance with permits, environmental regulations, GMP, safety, OSHA.
• Specify, bid, and purchase equipment and services as needed.
• Supervise plant staff, contractors, and service personnel.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support to Riviana facilities.
• Administer maintenance and operator training for new equipment.
• Keep up with new tech and apply improvements.

Skills

Project management

Engineering analysis

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project

Excel

SAP knowledge

Problem solving

Team collaboration

PLC/Control systems

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Mechanical or Chemical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SAP

PFDs/P&IDs

Job description

The Project Engineer performs engineering activities including analysis, design, planning, directing and coordination of assigned processing/packaging projects to assure customer satisfaction with minimal supervision. This includes meeting targeted performance, expectations, time tables and spending limits. This position will be responsible for the design, management, and successful start-up of domestic capital projects (typically $100K-10 MM USD) with a secondary role to assist operating facilities and apply innovation to improve current operations.

This includes the upgrade and expansion of existing and acquired facilities as well as the potential construction of new facilities. Responsibilities also include preparation of project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates along with basic engineering packages for capital projects. In addition, is the involvement with internal and external teams and contract firms to support projects from design, cost and compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

What You’ll Do:

• Apply engineering principles to analyze and plan for the requirements of assigned food related processing and/or packaging projects and cost studies to achieve targeted objectives.
• Prepare engineering specifications. Design process and package flows for assigned projects; prepare all necessary drawings.
• Prepare project approval documentation for new products and systems, maintain required project documentation and monitor and control costs within assigned projects.
• Lead assigned projects through concept, design, installation, commissioning and qualification to meet specified scope and identified project objectives.
• Obtain and adopt all relevant requirements including building permits, environmental regulations, sanitary design, Good Manufacturing Practices, safety, code requirements and OSHA regulations on all work assignments.
• Specify, obtain bids, select and purchase required equipment, parts and contract installation services for assigned projects to meet installation schedules and requirements.
• Supervise work conducted by plant labor, contractors, and service personnel to assure efficient coordination and completion of assigned projects as scheduled.
• Provide troubleshooting, problem analysis and technical support to all Riviana manufacturing and packaging facilities as required.
• Administer the implementation of maintenance and operator training for all new equipment and systems installed on assigned projects.
• Keep abreast of new technological developments through professional study and journals and initiate uses within Riviana Foods.
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity and varying priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with food safety requirements such as GMP Standards, HACCP, SQF and BRC Certification.
• A working understanding and ability to construct Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) is required along with a basic understanding of ASME, ANSI, NFPA, and other industry standards for design and construction.
• A working understanding and ability to design and implement PLC, controls and related applications into the design of projects for automation and cost savings in a standardized and expandable method.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or Engineering based degree. Mechanical or Chemical is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in the design and installation of processing and/or packaging systems. Background with packaging equipment a plus (including scaling, form-fill-seal machines, cartoning, casepacking, conveying, palletizing, metal detection and checkweighing). Steam and drying experience is preferred.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
• Maintain a positive attitude and strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Possess strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Have strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to identify root causes of recurring equipment failures and develop effective engineering solutions to improve plant performance, capacity, quality, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Have experience managing projects, monitoring budgets, and controlling departmental spending.
• Have experience with SAP systems; SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Are willing and able to travel as required, with anticipated travel ranging from approximately 20% to 40%, depending on project assignments.
• Are authorized to work in the United States.
• Have familiarity with processing, packaging, building systems, and utilities technologies.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Possess excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical, innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, adaptability, and the ability to guide teams through organization and operational changes.
• Have strong project management skills, including the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within established timelines and budgets.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while taking ownership of responsibilities and project outcomes.
• Proactively identify and recommend creative solutions, new approaches, and process improvements.
• Have a foundational understanding of finance, product cost accounting, and statistical process control.
• Possess a fundamental understanding of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and process control systems.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: A salaried compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to company-sponsored benefits to support your health and well-being.
• Retirement Planning: A 401(k) retirement savings plan to help you plan for your future.
• Career Development: Opportunities to expand your skills, develop professionally, and grow within the company.
• Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to lead projects, contribute innovative ideas, and support continuous improvement across the organization.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a team of professionals committed to operational excellence, innovation, and shared success.

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.