Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering

American Sugar Refining, Inc.; Crockett (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

American Sugar Refining, Inc. is seeking an Advanced or Senior Project Manager to lead engineering projects at the Crockett refinery, focusing on safety, process improvement, and capacity expansion. This role requires steering multi-disciplinary teams, managing budgets up to $5M, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with procurement and operations, and deliver projects on time and within budget in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution.
• 10+ 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 methodology on multiple high value projects.
• Ability to communicate with multiple levels and external vendors/partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations and contractors.
• Prepare and manage project budgets ($250k to $5M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Allocate resources to meet timelines and objectives.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental regulations at all stages.
• Act as liaison between project team, plant management and external stakeholders.
• Provide updates to senior leadership on progress and financial performance.
• Guide on technical aspects including process design, equipment selection, and construction.
• Review designs for compliance with standards and policies.
• Drive best practices to enhance plant performance and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Procurement on equipment and services.
• Develop & execute Commissioning Plans; support Qualification & Verification ramp-up.
• Oversee external resources for detailed engineering designs and construction management.
• Manage project delivery including scope, cost, schedules, and post-completion reviews.
• Ensure process safety and environmental compliance/PSM implementation.
• Mentor junior engineers and champion CAPEX governance.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Process improvement

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

SAP

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

This position may be filled at the Advanced or Senior level, depending on the candidate’s education and experience. The role is responsible for leading and managing engineering projects related to safety, process improvement, infrastructure, capacity expansion, compliance, and operational performance. Key responsibilities include overseeing project execution, managing budgets and resources, mitigating risks, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of engineering principles, project management, and process equipment, with the ability to implement effective process improvements. This role may also provide guidance and training to junior project managers. Candidates should be familiar with applicable engineering and regulatory standards, be willing to travel occasionally, and be comfortable working in an industrial plant environment.

Job Responsibilities

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 & execute Commissioning Plans for projects. Support Qualification & Verification ramp-up.
• Manage external resources as needed to conduct detailed engineering designs, construction management and any other supplement project support.
• 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.
• Formal and informal mentoring and coaching of junior engineers within team and department.
• Champion of the ASR steps and gates CAPEX business flow process or project delivery standard.

Qualifications - Required

Bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution; candidates with other technical degrees will be considered based on relevant process and project experience.

• 10+ 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 methodology on multiple high value projects
• Ability to communicate and interact with multiple levels within an organization and professionally represent the company with outside vendors and engineering partners
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications

Qualifications – Preferred But Not Required

Advanced degree related to engineering or project management

• Master’s in Business Administration
• Project Management Professional certification
• Experience with Focused Improvement (DMAIC, Six Sigma certifications preferred)
• Experience with all elements of capital disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Power Distribution, Control Systems, Civil, Environmental, etc.)
• Experience with both batch and continuous flow manufacturing processes
• Experience with the OSHA PSM standard and covered processes

LOCATION OF ROLE

• This role is on-site at the Crockett, California refinery 5 days per week with occasional business travel associated with project completion and the ability to have flexibility that balances the business needs with the employee’s needs
• The pay range for this position is below. The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and prior experience.

Range

$101,00 to 188,000

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.