Project Engineering Manager

Software Placement Group, SPG; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group (SPG) is seeking a Project Engineering Manager to lead automation-focused engineering projects for an established meat processing equipment company. You will translate automation needs into practical solutions, guiding cross-functional teams and vendors to deliver on time and within budget.

Responsibilities include designing preliminary specs, conducting feasibility studies, coordinating schedules, and managing contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets.
• Knowledge of national codes and standards.
• Project management and contract administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials; prepare project cost estimates.
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, and economic analyses for viable, cost-effective designs.
• Determine design criteria; validate field work and create as-built drawings.
• Review projects for accuracy; manage execution by guiding vendors and contractors.
• Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and engineering teams.
• Direct equipment vendors on layouts, utility needs, and installation schedules.
• Review consultant work products and recommend adjustments.
• Maintain documentation including manuals, drawings, parts lists, and vendor contacts.
• Conduct planning, design, and operational reviews during pre-project studies.
• Prepare scope of work, RFPs, and evaluate bids; submit progress reports to management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: NC or VA | Schedule: Full-time | Compensation: $125K – 155K plus bonus

Overview

An established industrial equipment company serving the meat processing industry is seeking a Project Engineering Manager to lead automation-focused engineering projects. This role partners with cross-functional teams and business stakeholders to translate automation needs into practical, innovative solutions, and serves as a trusted authority in equipment automation project management.

What you'll do

• Develop preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, and prepare project cost estimates
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure designs are viable and cost-effective
• Determine design criteria based on required standards and codes, validate field work, and create as-built drawings
• Review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness, and manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors
• Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors, aligning with management and engineering teams
• Coordinate and direct equipment vendors on layouts, utility requirements, and installation schedules
• Review consultant work products and recommend adjustments as needed
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information
• Conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre-project studies
• Determine scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, and evaluate proposals received
• Submit detailed progress reports to management by established deadlines
• Administer contracts, including reviewing bid packages for compliance and completeness
• Prepare project documents such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules
• Monitor installations to ensure proposal specifications and budgets are met, and manage assigned budget activities
• Continuously improve robotic and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field, plus 5+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position, including team development and management
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
• Layout and design experience
• Experience managing a multi-million dollar budget
• Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills
• Proficient in engineering economics
• Proficient in AutoCAD
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word processing software, and other Microsoft Office products
• Ability to travel to other locations (50% of the time)
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry
• Previous experience managing multi-million dollar projects with large scopes
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Compensation and benefits

• $125K – 155K plus bonus

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead complex, cutting-edge automation projects and turn visionary concepts into reality within the meat processing industry.