Job Summary: The Project Engineer is responsible for developing and managing small electrical and mechanical engineering projects, including budget estimation and monitoring. The Project Engineer reports to the Strategic Project Manager. The role involves implementing technical improvements projects for the Lotus Bakeries factory in Mebane, North Carolina, in collaboration with the Technical, Operations and Strategic Projects departments.

Key Responsibilities: Identify and implement technical improvements projects in a structured, organized way respecting budgets and timings

Effective communication with stakeholders

Technical support for various departments Work Schedule: The Project Engineer works eight (8) hours per day, Monday through Friday. On rare occasions, overtime and work outside of the normal schedule may be needed. Occasional domestic and international travel may be necessary. This position reports to the Strategic Project Manager. Responsibilities:

Develop project charters outlining scope, resources, tasks, and timelines. Ensure project completion in line with agreed-upon objectives, including preferred solution justification and selection.

Manage project implementation, follow-up, documentation, and training.

Collaborate with Operations leadership to ensure successful project completion.

Lead projects when assigned, overseeing team members and providing regular stakeholder updates.

Exercise delegated authority over technical aspects, including budgets and timelines.

Share expertise and propose technical improvements supporting continuous improvement goals.

Utilize provided resources, including software tools (MS Office, project management software, CAD) and technical support from both U.S. and Belgium teams.

Knowledge: Strong knowledge of electricity, wiring, packaging, mechanics, pneumatics, and manufacturing equipment.

Deep expertise in specific technologies, with a preference for electrical and electronic systems.

Understanding of food processing industry technologies and production processes.

Experience with structured project follow-up methodologies and root cause analysis tools (e.g., SORA, Pareto, Fishbone).

Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to conduct root cause analysis using structured methods. Experience: Experience in food industry strongly preferred; experience in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) or consumer packaged goods (CPG) is desireable.

Hands-on expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical assembly lines, pneumatics, hydraulics, electricity, and electronics.

Demonstrated leadership in project team management.

Proficiency in CAD software, MS Project, and MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint). Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field (electrical, electro-mechanical, mechatronics)

PMP certification preferred; Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) is a plus