Project Engineer (MET)

The (MET) Project Engineer is responsible for executing and supporting the implementation of maintenance and reliability programs across assigned manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with plant teams to deploy corporate strategies, improve equipment reliability, and drive consistency in maintenance practices.
The Project Engineer focuses on site-level execution, including identifying asset reliability risks, supporting CMMS adoption, analyzing performance data, and implementing solutions that improve uptime and operational efficiency. This role plays a critical part in translating enterprise strategy into practical, sustainable actions at the plant level while driving measurable improvements in reliability performance.
Location: Position will be based out of the Grand Rapids, MI area.
Travel: 50%-80% travel annually associated with the position.
Key Responsibilities
Program Execution & Site Support

Implement corporate maintenance and reliability strategies, standards, and processes across assigned facilities
Support 3–5 plants simultaneously to drive consistency in reliability practices and program execution
Partner with Plant Maintenance and Operations teams to identify and address equipment reliability gaps
Execute reliability improvement initiatives, including loss elimination and failure reduction
Travel to manufacturing sites on a regular basis to ensure adherence to budget, schedule and deliverables.

CMMS Implementation & Utilization

Support implementation, adoption, and consistent use of CMMS systems at assigned sites
Ensure accuracy and integrity of maintenance data, including work orders, asset hierarchy, and preventive maintenance plans
Monitor CMMS compliance and drive adherence to established standards

Reliability Analysis & Continuous Improvement

Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends, recurring failures, and improvement opportunities
Conduct root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive action implementation
Apply reliability tools such as FMECA, MTBF/MTTR analysis to improve asset performance
Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Training & Capability Development

Train and coach plant maintenance teams on reliability tools, CMMS usage, and best practices
Support development of maintenance capabilities at the site level through knowledge sharing and hands-on guidance
Reinforce standardized processes and drive adoption of best practices

Project Execution

Manage and execute assigned reliability and maintenance-related projects from planning through completion
Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Planning) to ensure successful implementation
Track project timelines, milestones, and results; escalate risks or delays as needed

Metrics & Reporting

Track and report site-level reliability metrics, including asset performance and maintenance effectiveness
Support development of dashboards and reports to monitor performance against targets
Participate in facility-level and regional metric reviews, providing insights and action plans

Collaboration & Communication

Work cross-functionally to align maintenance activities with production and operational priorities
Communicate progress, challenges, and results to plant leadership and MET leadership
Support knowledge sharing across facilities by documenting and promoting best practices

Budget & Planning Support

Assist in development of site-level maintenance budgets and forecasting efforts
Identify cost-saving opportunities through improved asset performance and maintenance practices

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree required; preferably in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering
Experience:

Minimum 3 years in the food industry or equivalent cGMP manufacturing environment
3–5 years of relevant engineering or reliability experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with equipment reliability, maintenance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives

Technical Skills:

Working knowledge of CMMS systems and maintenance management principles
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with SharePoint
Exposure to AutoCAD and equipment layout/design concepts preferred
Understanding of equipment center-lining, SMED, and maintenance optimization methodologies

Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data interpretation
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across plant teams
Demonstrated ability to drive results through influence in a non-direct authority environment
Knowledge of preventative, predictive, and total productive maintenance practices
Ability to translate strategy into actionable execution at the site level

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $85,788 -$128,682/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.
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