Project Manager I (Engineering)

Aequor; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor in Chattanooga, TN seeks a Project Manager to lead packaging and processing projects from concept to post-implementation support. You will manage costs, schedules, and resources, while driving safety and regulatory compliance across sites.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in project management, engineering, and manufacturing, with CAD skills (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and FDA-regulated industry exposure. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical).
• 5+ years of project management, process design, manufacturing experience.
• Experience developing and executing major, complex projects.
• 2D/3D CAD experience (AutoCAD or SolidWorks) and reading engineering drawings.
• Experience in Food or Pharma manufacturing per FDA regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management, design engineering, and ad-hoc technical support for packaging and processing operations.
• Develop cost estimates and conceptual designs for new products and packaging lines.
• Plan budgets, schedules, and resource coordination to meet scope and cash flow.
• Drive KPI performance: budget adherence, cash flow, and startup milestones.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and site teams; lead continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GMP, and FDA regulatory standards; promote safety culture.
• Provide leadership and coaching to improve technical function effectiveness.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

P&IDs reading

Job description

The Project Manager is responsible for providing project management, design engineering, and ad-hoc technical support of packaging and processing operations. They are responsible for all aspects of a project from development of costs and concepts to technical support after implementation. The Project Manager will contribute towards site goals, objectives, strategies, and measures as they relate to capital, reliability, plant capability, cost, sustainability, and waste reduction.

Essential Functions

• Perform all aspects of project engineering including design, procurement, construction management, installation, and qualification.
• Plan, establish budgets, develop complex schedules and coordinate resources to ensure delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and cash flow for all projects.
• Drive results in Engineering metrics and own the following (KPIs): Budget Adherence %, Cash Flow Adherence %, Vertical Startup Adherence %, Critical Success Factor Adherence %, Projects Submitted, Projects Approved, CAPEX $ Spent vs Annual Budget.
• Site liaison and team participant for projects that are being executed by non site-based engineering resources.
• Champion Early Equipment Management (EEM) program including optimization, maintenance, retirement, and Startup Management (SUM).
• Develops cost estimates and conceptual designs for new products, line extensions, and packaging operations.
• Develop standards for equipment, systems, and engineering processes for assigned functional area and collaborate with other global technical teams.
• Works with Operations and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot, modify, and improve packaging and processing equipment.
• Collaborates with Department Managers to improve productivity through process changes, equipment replacement, or additional equipment.
• Champion Safety objectives; strive for zero incidents and supports a people-centered safety culture within the maintenance and engineering teams.
• Provide leadership and coaching to continuously improve the effectiveness of the technical function.
• Strict adherence to Company and OSHA safety requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory standards.
• Maintain compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Support reduction in environmental impacts across all sites, including energy savings and utility monitoring.
• Establish and maintain constant communication across all levels of the organization.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical)

Preferred:

• Project Management Professional Certification
• Professional Engineer Certification

Related Experience/Requirements:

• 5+ years of project management, process design, manufacturing, and contractor supervision.
• Must be well rounded with a solid grasp of many engineering disciplines as well as plant operations and construction.
• Proven track record developing and executing major, complex projects (over ***MM).
• Experience with technical writing via establishing Work Instructions, SOPs, and OPLs
• Mechanical aptitude & Critical Thinking Skills.
• 2D/3D CAD experience (AutoCAD or Solidworks) and drawing development.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to connect with all levels of the organization.
• Expert planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Required Competencies: Drive for Results, Action Orientation, Command Skills, Functional/Technical Skills, Priority Setting, Planning, Managing and Measuring Work, Process Management, Problem Solving, Decision Quality, Customer Focus, Integrity and Trust, Listening, Peer Relationships, Directing Others, and Comfort Around Higher Management
• Experience in Food or Pharma manufacturing following FDA regulations is preferred.
• Experience with site utilities, such as chillers, boilers, air compressors, etc. is preferred.
• Strong emphasis on sustainability and carbon reduction projects is preferred.
• Proficiency in reading, creating, and modifying P&IDs is preferred.