Senior Capital Project Engineer - Dairy Manufacturing & Packaging

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company; Atwater (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

Educational Reimbursement

Paid time off

Free cheese

Job summary

Joseph Gallo Farms is seeking a hands-on Senior Capital Project Engineer to lead capital projects across the Atwater manufacturing site. In this role you will partner closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and outside vendors to deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.

You will develop equipment layouts, process flow diagrams, and project charters, manage budgets and schedules, and drive continuous improvement across multiple projects with limited oversight.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in dairy plant equipment, sanitary design, CIP, HTST pasteurization.
• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in engineering and project management software tools, including CAD and MS Office.
• Working knowledge of the engineering project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of controls and sensors for manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from ideation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and closeout.
• Develop and manage project charters, scope, ROI, payback, cost savings, and budgets.
• Create and maintain schedules (Gantt charts), resource plans, and milestones.
• Develop equipment layouts, utility requirements, and process diagrams (PFDs and PIDs).
• Develop equipment specs and RFQs/RFIs; evaluate proposals and select vendors.
• Lead design reviews and ensure alignment with plant standards.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT, startup planning, commissioning checklists, and handoff to operations.
• Ensure proper documentation turnover including as-builts, manuals, spare parts, and training materials.
• Manage multiple projects with internal and external partners.
• Gather product information to inform design decisions.
• Facilitate risk assessments, pre-task planning, and MOC processes.
• Lead project update meetings and report status to leadership.
• Apply Excel and office software to calculate savings and schedules.

Skills

Project management

Dairy plant experience

Mechanical design

Communication

Problem solving

Self-motivated

Education

BS degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD

MS Office

Job description

Description

We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high-quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment.

Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hire-top-notch talent who share our company's commitment to our customers and a passion for making the country's finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients.

Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full‑time employees and their dependents.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Educational Reimbursement
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.)
• Free cheese!

Requirements

Reports To: Director of Maintenance & Engineering

Shift: 1st Shift, with the ability to be flexible per operation needs

Joseph Farms is seeking a hands‑on Senior Capital Project Engineer to lead improvement projects across our Atwater manufacturing site. In this role you will partner closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and outside vendors to deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead projects from ideation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and final closeout.
• Develop & manage project charters, scope, capital justifications (ROI, payback, cost savings), and detailed project budgets.
• Create & maintain project schedules (Gantt charts), resource plans, and milestones to ensure on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Develop equipment layouts, utility requirements, and process flow diagrams (PFDs) and PIDs.
• Develop equipment specifications and RFQs/RFIs; evaluate technical proposals and recommend vendor selection.
• Lead design reviews (process, mechanical, electrical, controls) and ensure alignment with plant standards.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT, startup planning, commissioning checklists, and operational handoff to operations and maintenance teams.
• Ensure proper documentation turnover including as‑builts, O&M manuals, spare parts lists, and training materials.
• Manage multiple capital and improvement projects, engaging with both internal teams and external partners.
• Work with internal teams to gather information about products, speeds, methods, and materials to inform design decisions.
• Facilitate risk assessments, pre‑task planning, and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
• Lead project update meetings and provide clear status reporting to leadership.
• Apply working knowledge of office software and Excel to calculate savings, speeds, efficiency, and schedules.
• Work with limited oversight — able to overcome project challenges, work through problems, and solicit help when needed.

Food Safety Requirements & Responsibilities

• Comply with all Plant, State, and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations.
• Comply with GMPs in the plant.
• Assist in the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality System.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in dairy plant equipment / mechanical engineering, sanitary design, CIP systems, HTST pasteurization, etc.
• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in engineering and project management software tools, including CAD and MS Office.
• Working knowledge of the engineering project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of system controls and sensors for manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of construction trades.
• Sound problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varying levels of management and Joseph Gallo Farms team members.
• Able to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute tasks in a changing and demanding work environment.
• Self‑motivated, with strong ownership of tasks assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Effectively handle lifting of various objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee will be required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb stairs.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the manufacturing environment is very loud; ear plugs are provided for safety.
• Regular exposure to elements such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold, and chemicals.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee regularly works outside in all types of weather elements.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Joseph Gallo Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO