Process Project Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner daily with operations and quality teams to execute engineering tasks while ensuring continuous plant operations.
• Vendor Management: Oversee on-site vendor activities, tracking performance, schedules, and safety compliance.
• Equipment Testing: Coordinate comprehensive technical testing for new equipment, including electrical, automation, water, CIP, and product system integrations.
• Commissioning & Training: Lead equipment commissioning, author standard work instructions, and train production and maintenance teams. Monitor initial efficiency metrics and drive punch-list resolution.
• Capacity Planning: Define long-term business requirements by evaluating existing equipment capacity, identifying processing gaps, and validating future R&D needs with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Technical Design: Translate business needs into precise technical specifications for tanks, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers. Benchmark industry best practices to ensure designs align with the site master plan and corporate strategic goals.
• Trials & R&D: Organize and execute all technical and raw material trials with suppliers and R&D to guarantee project feasibility.
• Procurement & Bidding: Prepare request for quotation (RFQ) packages, manage the competitive bidding process, and lead supplier selection.
• Capital Budgeting: Manage internal capital expenditure (CapEx) approval procedures, issue purchase orders, track actual vs. budgeted variances, and control project scope via formal change orders.
• Project Governance: Drive project success using robust project management methodologies, including regular stakeholder alignment meetings, rigorous action-item tracking, and early engagement with plant operations.
• Milestone Execution: Ensure strict adherence to critical project milestones, including programming validation (connected PLCs), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), electrical/water tests, and final acceptance.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce rigorous safety protocols across all project phases, ensuring execution meets quality standards and deadlines are met securely.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• Majors in mechanical engineering or a similar discipline are favored.
• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing engineering environment is required.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT.
• Strong foundation in process engineering principles, fluid dynamics, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Proven ability to manage complex timelines, prioritize competing deliverables, and execute budgets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver technical presentations and write clear operational procedures.
• Resilient and proactive mindset with the ability to lead effectively within a fast-paced, evolving production environment.

Benefits

Lactalis offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

Pay & Schedule

The exact pay and schedule details are not specified in the job posting.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please visit our careers page and submit your resume and cover letter.

About the Role

We are seeking a Process Project Engineer to join our team at Midwest Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, located in Murfreesboro, TN. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and experience managing engineering projects in a manufacturing environment.

Company Information

Lactalis is a global leader in dairy, with over 85,000 employees worldwide. We are dedicated to producing high-quality dairy products and fostering a culture of innovation and diversity. At Lactalis, we believe that every employee brings something unique to the table, and we strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace for all.

EEO Statement

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.