Project Engineer

Nestlé SA; Waverly (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé SA is seeking a professional to manage the introduction of new fixed assets in Waverly, Iowa. Your role will involve optimizing existing assets and overseeing the procurement of new ones. You will coordinate with project teams to ensure compliance with Nestlé's standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 3–5 years of experience in food manufacturing. Strong leadership and project management skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a technical field in a food manufacturing facility.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Handle the introduction of new fixed assets into the company.
• Coordinate personnel to meet project objectives.
• Propose and control project costs according to guidelines.
• Monitor project performance against KPIs.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of food processing plant

Communication and Networking

Understanding of financial analysis

CAPEX budgeting

MS Office

MS Project

Basic AutoCAD or Visio

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

POSITION SUMMARY

To handle the introduction of new fixed assets into the company. This could involve the relocation and optimisation of the existing fixed asset base and/or the purchase of new fixed assets. It may extend from the initial conceptual studies through to project closeout.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Propose and implement work processes, procedures and technical resources in accordance with the Engineering Policy, Key Principles and the Project Management Activity as outlined in the Nestlé Engineering Excellence (NEE) master document.
• Coordinate personnel (e.g. other project engineers, technicians, contractors etc.) to ensure the project’s objectives are satisfied.
• Propose and control the cost of the project in accordance with the Guidelines for Capital Investment.
• Propose and monitor the project in accordance with the key performance indicators.
• Demonstrate and promote the company's values.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exhibit an attitude of absolute intolerance for unsafe situations and never implement any change—directly instructed or otherwise—without first questioning its impact on product safety/quality, people safety and the environment. No compromises will be tolerated.
• Adhere to the highest principles of ethical conduct on behalf of the community, consumer, company, and the engineering profession, maintaining all dealings within a competitive, fair and above-reproach environment.
• Support and encourage clear and open communication between team members and related stakeholders, e.g. site and market management, PTC, CO Engineering, CT Packaging and the SBU.
• Ensure the procedures for protecting Nestlé's technological and proprietary know‑how are in place and actively being implemented.
• Maintain the client’s requirements at all times in accordance with the business needs.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: CONCEPTUAL STUDY PHASE (FEASIBILITY & APPROVAL)

• Ensure that all projects are designed for the long term and result in a positive impact on the company ROIC.
• Thoroughly challenge the supporting documentation even if it is provided by other functions.
• Prepare the project for approval in accordance with the Guidelines for Capital Investment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: DESIGN PHASE

• Ensure that all assets are well designed (i.e. plant layout, equipment selection etc.) and fit the business purpose through applying new technologies, proven principles, thorough design reviews and basic science.
• Support all Value Engineering Analysis (VEA) studies.
• Ensure that the design is directed towards a low cost, highly efficient and flexible operation.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

• Ensure safe work sites at all times and installations that are easy to operate, clean and maintain as well as guaranteeing, after commissioning, the safe, consistent manufacture/distribution of quality products.
• Ensure that, when working with external engineering services, contractors, suppliers etc., the scope, deliverables, performance and milestones are clearly detailed and agreed upon upfront.
• Prepare a progress report for all projects on a monthly basis.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: START‑UP/CLOSE OUT PHASE (COMMISSIONING/FINAL REPORT)

• Ensure that the project scope is achieved within the agreed cost and timing.
• Ensure that operators, mechanics, electricians etc. are effectively trained and that the transfer of the equipment to the client is both smooth and efficient, including all supporting documentation required by the client (e.g. operating instructions, equipment manuals, plant layouts, maintenance instructions, spare parts listing, etc.).
• Allocate all expenditures to clearly defined assets and enter them into the asset register.
• Complete the project file and hand it over to the client.
• Complete a final report on all projects and circulate it to key stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field (Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering).
• 3–5 years of experience in a technical field in a food manufacturing facility (preferred).

SKILLS

• Strong technical, managerial and leadership skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of food processing plant and technology.
• Knowledge of food safety, regulatory requirements for food safety and equipment.
• Communication and Networking.
• Understanding of financial analysis and relevant business drivers.
• CAPEX budgeting and preparation.
• MS Office, MS Project, MS Excel, Basic AutoCAD or Visio.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Travel: 5–10%

#LI-SM1

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you’re at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you’ve gained while serving our country—such as flexibility, agility and leadership—are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. With our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1‑800‑321‑6467.