Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering

American Sugar Refining, Inc.; Arabi (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

American Sugar Refining, Inc. is seeking a seasoned project leader to oversee large-scale plant safety and process improvement initiatives at Chalmette, LA.

You will manage scope, budgets up to $5M, and cross-functional teams of engineers, procurement, safety, and operations to deliver projects on time and within budget. The role requires ABET-accredited engineering degree and 7+ years in manufacturing/project roles, with strong PM skills, process design knowledge, and the ability to communicate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited school.
• 7+ years' experience in manufacturing process or project-focused role.
• 7+ years' experience managing Capex projects in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Strong chemical process design knowledge.
• Ability to communicate with multiple levels and vendors.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and finalize complex projects from initiation to closure.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations.
• Prepare and manage project budgets ($250k to $5M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure timelines and objectives are met.
• Identify potential project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations at all project stages.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project team, plant management, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Provide guidance on technical aspects of projects, including process design, equipment selection, and construction activities.
• Review engineering designs and ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
• Drive the implementation of best practices and innovative solutions to enhance plant performance and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Procurement to purchase equipment, engineering services, construction services.
• Develop Commissioning Plans for projects using the corporate engineering standard template.
• Manage external resources as needed to supplement projects.
• Oversee and support the execution/project delivery including scope definition and control, project cost control, cash-flow forecasts, schedules, construction management, training, project coordination and post-completion reviews.
• Responsible for process safety and environmental compliance/implementation projects.
• Ensure process PSM requirements are met.
• Actively participate in plant safety program/process

Skills

Project management

Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Capex management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Vendor interaction

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Siemens PCS7

DeltaV

Modicon

Job description

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

Overview

The responsibility of this role includes but is not to limited to: managing large-scale projects related to plant safety, Process Safety Management, infrastructure, process improvement, capacity expansion, compliance, and operational efficiency. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget. The ideal candidate must have a thorough knowledge of engineering principles and best practices, project management methodology, and process equipment with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement process changes. This role is responsible for project leadership, budget and resource management, risk management, stakeholder communication, technical oversight, and continuous improvement. This position may also manage and train new project managers in the above areas. Other requirements for this role include familiarity with regulatory and engineering standards as well as a willingness to travel occasionally and work in an industrial plant environment.

Detailed Roles & Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and finalize complex projects from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Develop project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations and contract labor.
• Prepare and manage project budgets ($250k to $5M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
• Identify potential project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations at all project stages.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project team, plant management, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Provide guidance on technical aspects of projects, including process design, equipment selection, and construction activities.
• Review engineering designs and ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
• Drive the implementation of best practices and innovative solutions to enhance plant performance and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Procurement to purchase equipment, engineering services, construction services.
• Develop Commissioning Plans for projects using the corporate engineering standard template.
• Manage external resources as needed to supplement projects.
• Oversee and support the execution/project delivery including scope definition and control, project cost control, cash-flow forecasts, schedules, construction management, training, project coordination and post-completion reviews.
• Responsible for process safety and environmental compliance/implementation projects.
• Ensure process PSM requirements are met.
• Actively participate in plant safety program/process

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor\'s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution; candidates with other technical degrees will be considered based on relevant process and project experience.
• 7+ years of experience in the manufacturing process and/or project focused role.
• 7+ years of experience managing Capex projects within the manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies
• Strong knowledge of chemical process design
• Ability to communicate and interact with multiple levels within an organization as well as outside vendors.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Qualifications – Preferred But Not Required

• Advanced degree related to engineering or project management
• Project Management Professional certification
• Experience with Focused Improvement (DMAIC, Six Sigma certifications preferred)
• Experience in control systems (Siemens PCS7, Delta V, Modicon).
• Experience with batch chemical processes.
• Experience with the OSHA PSM standard and covered processes

LOCATION OF ROLE

• Chalmette,LA travel to other Group locations as and when required

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.