Project Engineer

Ensign-Bickford Industries; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AFB International in Missouri is seeking a Project Engineer to lead capital projects that improve safety, efficiency, and performance at our O'Fallon facility. You will own projects from concept to start-up, coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering, and ensure on-time, within-budget delivery while upholding engineering standards.

Strong knowledge of process equipment, CAD, PLCs, and regulatory compliance is required; prior food/processing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience.
• Strong project management skills in budgeting and scheduling.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Knowledge of PLCs and industrial automation.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with food or process manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to commissioning and close-out.
• Ensure safety, on-time delivery, and budget adherence.
• Provide technical input to improve equipment reliability and processes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
• Evaluate new technologies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Support long-term capital planning and facility improvements.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

PLC systems & industrial automation

Reading drawings (P&IDs, electrical)

Project management (budgeting & sched)

Data analysis

Collaboration & communication

MS Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)

Regulatory/compliance knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

Are you an engineer who thrives on turning ideas into reality? We're looking for a Project Engineer to lead capital projects that keep our operations safe, efficient, and high-performing. In this role, you'll combine technical expertise with hands‑on leadership to deliver meaningful improvements across our facility located in O'Fallon, Missouri.

As a Project Engineer, you'll take ownership of projects from concept to completion while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, start-up, and close-out
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
• Provide technical expertise to improve equipment reliability and optimize processes
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to enhance productivity, safety, and product quality
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Support long-term capital planning and strategic facility improvements
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Champion a strong safety culture and uphold all EHS procedures

• Experience with food or process manufacturing equipment (tanks, pumps, dryers, packaging systems, etc.)
• Familiarity with HACCP, cGMP, and food safety programs
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited)
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software
• Working knowledge of PLC systems and industrial automation
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, chemical, or process manufacturing industries
• Familiarity with food manufacturing equipment (tanks, pumps, grinders, spray dryers, blenders, packaging systems)
• Experience with HACCP, cGMP, and food safety programs
• PLC programming experience
• Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience supporting capital planning or long-term facility improvements

If you're ready to take the lead on projects that truly make a difference—from improving safety to driving operational excellence—this is your opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and results, and enjoy a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your future. Apply today and be part of building a smarter, stronger operation.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.