Project Engineer - SCONZA CANDY CO

Sconza Candy Company in Oakdale, California, has been manufacturing premium chocolate and confectionery products since 1939. Our Company is one of the largest manufacturers of panned products in North America, producing primarily private label products for some of the world's largest retail and CPG Companies. We are a Company committed to our Team Members and their personal and professional growth and recognize that each of them directly contributes to our success. Our 500,000 square foot facility is located in Oakdale, California, approx 95 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area and approx 95 miles south of Sacramento. If you're a dynamic person and want to directly impact a leading confectionery company, we want you on our team!

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer to join our team. The position will focus on optimizing equipment and design, lead and manage capital projects, as well as manage project schedules, budgets, and resources. Evaluate technical and economic alternatives, ensuring alignments with company goals. Lead the implementation of capital projects from concept development to completion defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process controls) and experience applying those principals in the food manufacturing space.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and maintenance, to ensure project alignment.
• Collaborate with contracted design engineers to create detailed engineering plans.
• Evaluate technical alternatives and recommend the most suitable solutions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (such as FDA, and GMPs).
• Perform risk assessments related to project implementation.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Work with procurement to help source materials, equipment, and services required for the project.
• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors.
• Supervise construction activities, ensuring adherence to specifications.
• Oversee equipment installation and commissioning.
• Monitor project progress to maintain quality standards.
• Monitor project expenses and adjust budgets as needed.
• Track costs related to labor, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and change orders.
• Provide regular progress reports to stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement during project execution.
• Implement changes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Communicate project updates and address any issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols during project execution.
• Promote a safe work environment for all team members.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on new equipment and processes.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures.
• Transfer knowledge to ensure smooth transition from project completion to regular operations.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Degree in a related engineering field (mechanical, electrical, industrial).
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with process and high-speed/automation equipment.
• Experience in food manufacturing, Candy making or Chocolate preferred
• Advanced knowledge in mathematical concepts such as fractions, ratios, value analysis, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, fundamentals of pump design, to resolve engineering designs and problems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience working with food processing facilities and design.
• Adept project management skills.
• Knowledge of FDA, OSHA and environmental regulations, codes, and standards.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Advanced PC skills including Windows, Microsoft Office Suite and Engineering and design software.

The pay for this role in the state of CA ranges from $120,000 to $170,000 per year based on years of experience, position responsibilities and geographic location.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Sconza is an Equal Employment opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law (including cancer and predisposing genetic characteristics in California), genetic information, marital status, familial status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), transgender status, sex stereotyping, age, military or veteran status, domestic violence or sexual assault victim status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Sconza is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at Jobs@Sconzacandy.com.