Senior Project Engineer

Lindt & Sprüngli USA; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli in San Leandro, CA is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead capital improvement projects, designing and improving our manufacturing infrastructure.

The role emphasizes managing multi-million dollar initiatives, collaborating with suppliers and internal teams, and delivering well-documented handovers to Production and Maintenance. A strong engineering background and food-industry EHSS awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Engineering with 3–5 years in manufacturing capital projects.
• Mechatronics, automation or electrical engineering preferred.
• Collaborate across all levels and departments to achieve project goals.
• Experience managing capital projects >$3M.
• EHSS requirements knowledge in a food production setting.
• MS Office and AutoCAD proficiency; ERP knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and organize multiple installations with minimal supervision.
• Define scope, budget, timeline and success criteria for projects.
• Apply project management fundamentals and early equipment management processes.
• Identify process improvements in production and business operations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to order, test and approve equipment.
• Ensure proper handover to Production/Maintenance with training and documentation.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Engineering degree (BS/BE)

Mechatronics/Automation/Electrical engineering

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

ERP systems

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee's contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli's growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

The Senior Project Engineer manages capital improvement projects to build, maintain, and improve the manufacturing infrastructure. The Engineering Department's purpose is to Deliver Great Solutions by being both innovative and brilliant at the basics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design, plan and organize multiple new installations projects with minimal supervision
• Develops and maintains project scope, budget, timeline and success criteria to meet given objectives
• Uses good PM fundamentals including the existing Early Equipment Management process with expert ability
• Identify areas for process improvement in production and business processes
• Carry out independent concept investigations for solutions to assigned projects
• Work with suppliers to order, specify, test and approve new equipment
• Coordinate mechanical and electrical installation requirements with both outside contractors and internal resources where applicable
• Ensure efficient hand over of new installations to Production and Maintenance Departments through proper training and documentation of new equipment and/or packaging/process systems
• Serve as a resource for Maintenance when expert and in-depth information is required for troubleshooting and preventative work on new equipment
• Participates in the process improvement teams as a team member in other Continuous Improvement initiatives as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BS/A Degree in Engineering and3-5years of experience in a manufacturing capital project management position;or equivalent combination of education and experience.Mechatronics, Automation and Electric Engineering degrees are preferred
• Food or pharmaceutical background preferred; Chocolate experience desired
• Ability to effectively collaborate on all levels, functions, and departments
• Management of +3MM capital projects
• Food or pharmaceutical background preferred; Chocolate experience desired
• Possess knowledge about EHSS (environmental, health, safety, security) requirements in a food production plant
• Ability to work effectively in a Union environment
• Computer literacy in MS Office and Auto Cad; ERP knowledge is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
• Clear oral and written presentation skills

Other Job Requirements

• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs
• Travel is required, the amount of travel is dependent on the projects being managed
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail
• Generally, works in a regular office environment
• In support of projects, working in the field is occasionally required
• Conditions in the field include:
  • Ability to climb stairs and ladders; must be able to work from heights
  • Exposure to vibration, moving mechanical parts and loud noise
  • Capable of using protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection, air masks, respirators, etc. in the performance of job duties
  • Ability to work in extreme temperatures and will be exposed to heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, confined spaces, elevated areas, dirt, ash particles and fuel particles
  • Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Must be able to kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required

Salary:

$117770 to $153080 / year