Project Engineer

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Job Summary

As a Plant Project Engineer you will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives for all manufacturing systems from unloading to packaging in order to improve the plant’s quality, productivity, and reliability. You will also be responsible for implementing capital projects, supporting daily plant operations, and the technology transfer process for all parts of the batching, processing, and packaging.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of capital project management: MOC Management, project definition, project planning, capital expenditure management, project timeline management, and technology transfer associated with capital projects and new products from engineering to operations including training.

• Responsible for the design, specification, development, installation, plant start-up, troubleshooting, and technology transfer for new products/equipment and cost saving initiatives, including collaboration with global process engineering for design standardization. Work closely with the Quality Engineer to develop and complete IQ/OQ/PQ documentation for each project.

• Lead the development and implementation of process improvements (reliability, waste, product quality, safety, cost per pound) to meet business needs. This includes working with operating AM teams and participating in the area’s Small Group and CI meetings.

• Serve as a primary resource to operating technicians for troubleshooting issues involving design, production, quality defects, process changes and equipment modification by soliciting feedback and driving continuous improvement.

• Develop and maintain specifications, technical documentation, and procedures for processing and equipment which are consistent with KPI goals and support Quality and EHS Standards.

• Develops, validates, and transfers factory SOP’s associated with new products and process improvements.

• Accountable for ensuring compliance w/ CP/ Hills, local, state, and federal standards and guidelines related to EOHS, Quality, and Regulatory.

• Support implementation of Quality Assurance and Food Safety initiatives. Ensure personnel adhere to Hill’s policies, safety standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices, including Quality Assurance and Food Safety.

• Other duties as assigned

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Processing Technology, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to read, interpret, and develop engineering drawings and Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs).
• Ability to support a 24/5 manufacturing operation, including working flexible shifts, weekends, or holidays, and maintaining on-call availability during project start-ups.
• Demonstrated capability to ensure manufacturing asset compliance with local, state, federal, and internal safety, quality, and environmental regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Related Manufacturing Experience with good knowledge of operations
• Previous experience managing projects in a manufacturing enviornment
• Technical proficiency including (Extrusion technology, Standards, weights and measures requirements, AIB, FDA, USDA and other regulatory agency design requirements)
• Previous experience with bulk material handling systems, including raw materials and finished product
• Proficient in food safety and sanitation design and practices
• Proficient in Statistical Process Control, CPk and Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Physical Requirements - Ability to:

• wear all required Fall Protection Equipment and all other PPE
• bend, climb, crawl, and kneel as needed to perform the functions of the job
• lift up to 50 lbs. on a continuous basis
• work in confined spaces
• work at heights up to 120 ft. using a mechanical lift or ladder
• climb multiple stairs throughout work shift
• walk and be on feet at least 50% of the scheduled work shift
• work in extreme weather conditions
• work in standard office environment
• to use hazardous materials