Project Engineer

GEA; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food and dairy industry seeks a Project Engineer in Saint Paul. This role involves overseeing projects with a focus on Spray Drying technology. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience, alongside strong communication and problem-solving skills. The position offers a hybrid working schedule and a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid holidays

PTO

Medical benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with US Dairy industry standards preferred.
• Blueprint reading and fabrication drawings experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all project phases from initial meetings to project startup.
• Evaluate and approve design changes and participate in design reviews.
• Support customer training and assist with troubleshooting.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team orientation

Problem-solving

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology

Job description

A Project Engineer acts as a key member of the project engineering team supporting the Food and Dairy Department in the successful and timely completion of assigned projects. The individual supports and/or executes projects by maintaining or increasing profitability through efficient engineering design and execution, while achieving customer satisfaction. Projects may involve technologies such as Spray Drying, Evaporation, Filtration, and Liquid Processing, with a focus on Spray Drying. The Project Engineer may also serve as the Project Manager for select projects.

This role offers a hybrid working schedule, allowing up to one day per week remote work.

Responsibilities / Tasks

1. Participate in all project phases from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, cost estimation, proposal generation, engineering, commissioning, and startup.
2. Specify technical solutions and equipment that meet customer expectations and specifications within budget and time constraints.
3. Adhere to design standards and optimize engineering designs to meet customer specifications.
4. Proactively identify and address technical, schedule, or commercial issues to meet project commitments.
5. Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, technical files, and project documentation.
6. Collaborate with designers on general arrangement and load drawings, create utility and equipment lists, and specify and size components.
7. Evaluate and approve design changes and participate in design reviews.
8. Coordinate equipment shipping and support site installation and commissioning activities.
9. Support customer training and assist with troubleshooting equipment/system performance issues.
10. Contribute to project planning, risk management, and scope change justification.
11. Prepare RFQ documents, assist procurement, and support vendor management.
12. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
13. Assist in preparing operation manuals and spare parts lists.
14. May act as Project Manager on specific projects, supporting project planning and execution.
15. Provide technical support during project execution and customer start-up.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team orientation, and customer service focus.
• Self-motivated, decisive, with business acumen.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines.
• Analytical, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and work under pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with US Dairy industry standards (3A, USDA) preferred.
• Blueprint reading and fabrication drawings experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (average around 25%).

Compensation & Benefits

The starting salary range is approximately $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and qualifications. Benefits include paid holidays, PTO, medical, vision, HSA, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), wellness programs, and more.

GEA Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

If interested, please apply through our guided application process.