Strategic Project Engineering Manager

Keystone Distinction Group; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Strategic Project Engineering Manager responsible for driving automation projects in the meat processing industry. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, manage multi-million dollar budgets, and ensure project execution aligns with goals. Strong leadership skills and extensive engineering knowledge are required. The position offers a salary of $125K – 155K plus bonus and may require travel 50% of the time.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in engineering.
• 2+ years of leadership experience.
• Proficiency in engineering economics.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary designs and specifications.
• Conduct feasibility and economic studies.
• Coordinate project schedules with personnel and contractors.
• Prepare essential project documents.

Skills

Project Management

Engineering Principles

Contract Administration

Installation and Construction Scheduling

Multi-million Dollar Budget Management

Team Development and Management

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

Dynamic Environment Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Project Engineering Manager

Location: NC or VA

Salary: $125K – 155K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Strategic Project Engineering Manager:

Looking to hire a Strategic Project Engineering Manager who is passionate about technology and innovation in industrial equipment automation. The Strategic Project Manager will play a key role in driving cutting‑edge automation projects for the meat processing industry. This Manager will collaborate closely with business partners and cross‑functional teams to understand automation needs and translate them into innovative solutions. As a trusted authority in project management with equipment automation, this role tackles the most complex challenges, turning visionary concepts into reality.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Strategic Project Engineering Manager:

• Responsible for developing preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, while also preparing project cost estimates.
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure the design is both viable and cost‑effective.
• Determine design criteria based on required standards and codes, and validate field work, creating as‑built drawings to document the final outcome.
• Review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness, and manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors.
• Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors, ensuring alignment with management and engineering teams to successfully implement plans.
• Coordinate and provide direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, ensure utility requirements are met, and maintain installation schedules.
• Review work products submitted by consultants, offering recommendations for adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information, ensuring all project details are properly organized and accessible.
• Conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre‑project studies to assess feasibility and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Determine the scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, and evaluate the proposals received to select the best approach.
• Submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines, keeping them informed on progress and key project developments.
• Responsible for contract administration, including reviewing bid packages to ensure compliance and completeness.
• Prepare essential project documents, such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules, to guide project execution.
• Monitor installations to ensure that proposal specifications and budgets are met, and you manage assigned budget activities to maintain financial control and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Continuously improve upon robotic and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Strategic Project Engineering Manager:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering, or related field, and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership, including team development and management, is required.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
• Lay out and design experience.
• Experience managing a multi‑million dollar budget.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Proficient in engineering economics.
• Proficient in AutoCAD.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Word processing software, other Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

Additional Qualifications:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.
• Previous experience in the management of multi‑million dollar projects with large scopes.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.