Capital Project Engineer

The Capital Project Engineer at Michigan Milk Producers Assoc partners across teams to deliver capital projects that protect plant integrity and improve manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with plant leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, and Maintenance to find capital opportunities that improve reliability, capacity, throughput, safety, and overall operational performance.
• Own capital project scope development, including conceptual designs, technical alternatives, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Support creation of annual and long-range capital plans.
• Identify modernization and improvement opportunities to reduce production constraints and strengthen manufacturing capability for future growth.
• Develop technical documentation and business cases to support capital project approvals.
• Lead approved capital projects from concept through completion, including coordination of contractors, vendors, engineering consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Maintain project controls including budgets, schedules, forecasts, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate construction and installation work while minimizing disruption to ongoing production.
• Manage project scope, technical changes, risks, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality standards.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to translate manufacturing needs and performance objectives into capital solutions.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure equipment is reliable, maintainable, and integrated into maintenance systems.
• Engage Operations teams across planning, execution, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate with Automation and OT teams for projects involving controls, SCADA systems, automation, and plant networks.
• Incorporate applicable food safety, quality, environmental, and safety requirements in project design.
• Lead equipment commissioning, startup, and performance verification activities.
• Establish and validate project acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate training for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Support Management of Change (MOC) requirements and documentation.
• Ensure turnover packages include drawings, manuals, asset information, and other required documentation.
• Complete closeout activities and capture lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering and/or capital project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
• Experience working with contractors, vendors, engineering consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Strong understanding of industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, and project management principles.
• Experience with project estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and financial control.
• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement principles.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Technologies

• SCADA
• Controls
• Automation
• Plant networks
• SCADA systems

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement including 401k with employer contributions
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Employee feedback and suggestion forums

Preferred Qualifications

• Food, dairy, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing experience.
• Experience with high-volume processing or packaging operations.
• Experience with industrial utilities, facility infrastructure, automation, or controls systems.
• Familiarity with food safety programs such as SQF.
• Experience with Management of Change (MOC) processes.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or PMP certification.

Key Competencies

• Project Leadership and Execution
• Technical and Engineering Expertise
• Strategic Planning and Prioritization
• Financial and Budget Management
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Accountability and Results Orientation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments.
• Ability to move throughout production areas, utility spaces, and active project sites.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms as needed.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry project-related materials or equipment.
• Ability to support project activities outside of normal business hours when required.

Location: Ovid, MI (onsite)