Project Engineer

VDFCP - R.J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits summary PDF

Job summary

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is seeking an experienced engineer to lead capital projects across manufacturing facilities. You will manage from planning through execution, including budgeting, scheduling, ROI analysis, and reporting, collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance.

Apply your design and project management skills, supported by proficiency in MS Project and CAD, to drive facility improvements, equipment start-ups, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of experience in a similar engineering role with capital project management in manufacturing.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Project, and 2D/3D CAD software.
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, collaboration, mentoring, and change‑management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects from planning through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, justification, and reporting.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance teams to develop project plans, ROI analyses, and project approvals.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment purchases while supporting facility modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Coordinate contractors, internal resources, and project activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Oversee equipment start‑ups and facility commissioning activities in collaboration with Production leadership.
• Support engineering standards, project management processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of interns and team members.

Skills

Capital project management

Project management

Technical writing

Communication

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

2D/3D CAD software

Excel

PowerPoint

Word/Outlook

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! Expected Pay Range: $90K-$120K, exempt Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

What You’ll Do

• Manage capital projects from planning through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, justification, and reporting.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance teams to develop project plans, ROI analyses, and project approvals.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment purchases while supporting facility modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Coordinate contractors, internal resources, and project activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Oversee equipment start‑ups and facility commissioning activities in collaboration with Production leadership.
• Support engineering standards, project management processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of interns and team members.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of experience in a similar engineering role, with capital project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Project, and 2D/3D CAD software.
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, collaboration, mentoring, and change‑management skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What You Can Look Forward To

• An opportunity to lead impactful capital projects across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Hands‑on involvement in equipment selection, facility improvements, process optimization, and production start‑ups.
• Opportunities to mentor engineering interns and contribute to the development of engineering standards and best practices.
• A dynamic environment that encourages curiosity, learning, leadership, and professional growth.

Physical Requirements

Standing, sitting, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and the ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

The statements provided are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required. Responsibilities and job requirements may change based on business needs. Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.