Engineering Project Manager

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio includes fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes; and fairlife® nutrition plan™ shakes. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, fairlife has been recognized by Fast Company and Nielsen for industry-leading innovation.

About the role

The Engineering Project Manager will be part of fairlife's Capital Engineering and Project Management team, primarily based out of the Webster, NY plant. This role owns end-to-end project management for capital projects, including processing and packaging equipment, safety improvements, and buildings and infrastructure. Responsibilities include design, budget, installation, commissioning, validation, and maintenance to meet company standards. The role also provides direction to manufacturing teams on processing, packaging, and infrastructure, and partners with Plant Engineering and Operations to identify and execute improvements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects meet plant compliance with federal, state, and corporate safety, quality, and environmental laws and regulations.
• Lead design engineering of projects, partnering with cross-functional teams, vendors, and capital planning for systems while recommending facility performance enhancements.
• Plan, own, and manage the budget and lifecycle of projects, directing activities related to design, construction, modification, and maintenance of processing equipment and infrastructure.
• Partner with Plant Engineering, Quality, Safety, Automation, and Operations teams to troubleshoot problems and develop root cause and corrective actions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for project management systems.
• Identify and implement strategic initiatives to meet fairlife’s present and future capital improvement objectives.

Requirements

• 5-10+ years of experience in manufacturing plants in the food and beverage industry.
• Demonstrated ability to take charge and own successful project outcomes.
• Proven project management and process engineering experience.
• Experience managing multiple complex capital projects, with individual projects up to $5 million.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in English, including strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Processing and packaging experience, especially in aseptic and dairy environments.
• Strong teamwork, leadership, and work ethic with a proactive attitude.
• Ability to adjust project scope and design to meet changing business needs.
• Strong negotiation skills and drive to execute.
• Controls and electrical experience preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed (10% to 20%).

Working Conditions

• 12 hours of sitting, standing, or walking per shift.
• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Exposure to hazards (e.g., machinery, confined spaces).

Food Safety Requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the color-coded container policy in production areas.
• Perform duties to meet company, customer, or government standards as prioritized by the company.
• Initiate action to prevent nonconformities related to food safety, quality, or safety systems.
• Identify and record problems related to food safety, quality, or safety systems.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product until deficiencies are corrected.
• In the event of absence, ensure another qualified employee assumes duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one.
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance).
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance (up to $10,000).
• Parental support and family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
• 401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants).
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month).
• Learning and development programs to unlock full potential.
• Rewards and recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.

fairlife’s manufacturing facilities are climate-controlled and pristine work environments. The nour!sh program supports individual wellbeing to enable employees to do their best work.

Pay

Base pay range: $120,000–$140,000 USD (exempt). Offer may vary based on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Position is primarily based in Webster, NY, with 10% to 20% travel as needed.