Project Engineer I

Thorne; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k plan with employer matching contributions

Job summary

Thorne, located in Summerville, SC, is seeking a Project Engineer II to lead engineering projects and ensure compliance with FDA standards. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include developing project schedules, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and managing equipment installations. Thorne offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health coverage, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in Project Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in FDA-regulated environments preferred.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams for various projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute assigned Engineering projects.
• Develop and communicate project schedules.
• Collaborate with different departments for project completion.

Skills

Project Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Cross-functional team management

Compliance with FDA standards

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Project Engineer II

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Summerville, SC

Description

At Thorne, we work to deliver high-quality, science-backed solutions to empower individuals to take a proactive approach to their well‑being. Each day begins with a mission to help others discover and achieve their best health. We count on our team members to challenge and push the boundaries to make that happen. At Thorne, you’ll be joining a team of more than 750 passionate individuals committed to our cause of providing superior health solutions at every age and life stage.

As a Project Engineer II, you’ll play a key role in bringing high‑quality products and efficient operations to life. In this role, you ensure that every component, task, and resource aligns to meet our quality standards, production goals, and regulatory requirements—all while driving meaningful improvements that help the business thrive.

You’ll support day‑to‑day operations across the department, ensuring compliance with cGMP, OSHA, and company SOPs, and you’ll contribute to both short‑term problem‑solving and long‑term strategic initiatives. Depending on your experience and project assignments, you may also have the opportunity to lead cross‑functional teams—from small groups to larger, multi‑disciplinary efforts—to successfully deliver impactful results.

If you’re energized by building, optimizing, and collaborating, this role gives you a strong platform to make a visible difference.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Engineer II responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead and execute assigned Engineering projects.
• Develop detailed project schedules and communicate project progress to leadership.
• Collaborate with different departments at Thorne to ensure timely completion of project tasks.
• Create detailed equipment specifications working with Engineering, Maintenance and Suppliers/Vendors.
• Create detailed Request for Quote (RFQ) documents for large complex projects.
• Generate detailed plant layouts for production lines in AutoCAD and build consensus with Operations.
• Lead and manage equipment installations including utilities, start‑up testing and commissioning.
• Work with Controls Group to generate detailed strategies for Process Monitoring & Controls.
• Collaborate with Validations Group to plan and help execute equipment validations such as IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Create detailed specifications and execute Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT, SAT).
• Generate solid models and detailed drawings for custom parts, spare parts, tooling as part of projects.
• Research and maintain knowledge of new manufacturing technologies as applicable to Thorne and provide executable recommendations to leadership.
• Calculate project costs in details and compile budget for planning and justification purposes.

Production Support responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Support continuous improvement projects if assigned.
• Perform machinery troubleshooting if designated as Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Complete SOP / Change Control generation & review.
• Coordinate with Production Department to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Identify gaps in equipment capabilities and recommend alternatives.
• Provide technical support and advice as required in response to process and equipment problems to other groups as requested by the Engineering Manager.

Additional Operations Support that may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluate data and provide reports to management on a variety of topics as requested.
• Support general operations concerning AutoCAD and SolidWorks drawings as directed.
• Coordinate with vendors concerning raw material problems and solutions as directed.
• Perform Corrective Action responses to various audit or production related problems as directed.
• Seek formal and informal performance assessments, including performance versus expectations and goals, behaviors, and leadership potential.
• Actively participate in required training and development programs and electives as suits one’s needs, and support colleagues, trainers, and management as appropriate with these efforts.
• Promote the Company’s Mission and Values, including an accountable, innovative, and results-oriented culture that promotes customer service, openness, teamwork, mutual trust, and respect.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with documented combination of education and experience readily available.
• A minimum of 3+ years’ hands‑on experience in Project Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or another relevant field in an FDA‑regulated environment is preferred.
• Experience in Plant Expansion, Automation, High Speed Packaging Lines, or similar projects is a plus.
• Ability to acquire the necessary knowledge in all areas of manufacturing, including: Mixing, High Speed Encapsulation, Low Speed Encapsulation, Bottling (capsule and powder), Labeling, production components, raw materials and product powders.
• Ability to work in / manage cross functional teams for multiple projects of various complexities and priorities.
• Ability to evaluate the proper balance of quality, cost, and production output to make solution and goal-oriented decisions yet be able to distinguish high risk decisions that should be taken to the proper level of management when the risks to quality, cost and production are significant.
• Develop and deliver on assigned objectives within requested timeframes.
• Build, develop, motivate, and engage high performing teams and work cross‑functionally.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• 100% company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
• Company‑paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
• Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities