Project Packaging Engineer

Location: Murfreesboro, TN Salary: $65.00 USD Hourly - $85.00 USD Hourly Description:
Packaging Project Engineer
Position Summary
The Packaging Project Engineer is responsible for leading packaging equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects within a manufacturing environment. This role manages projects throughout the entire lifecycle, from concept development and equipment specification through commissioning, startup, validation, and operational handover. The position serves as a key technical resource, partnering with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supplier teams to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable packaging solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership

• Lead packaging-related capital projects from initial scope development through commissioning and final acceptance.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and execution strategies.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with operational requirements.
• Manage project risks, change requests, and issue resolution activities throughout execution.

Capital Planning & Financial Management

• Develop capital expenditure requests and business justifications.
• Manage project budgets, spending forecasts, purchase orders, and financial reporting.
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Support return-on-investment (ROI) analysis and capital approval processes.

Packaging Systems Engineering

• Translate production capacity and business requirements into packaging equipment specifications and system designs.
• Develop technical requirements for packaging machinery, automation systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Evaluate equipment layouts, system integration needs, and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure packaging systems meet performance, reliability, quality, and safety objectives.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Develop technical bid packages and requests for quotation (RFQs).
• Evaluate supplier proposals and equipment solutions.
• Coordinate vendor activities related to fabrication, equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning.
• Manage contractor performance and ensure adherence to project scope and safety requirements.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, supply chain, and research and development teams throughout project execution.
• Coordinate packaging material trials, equipment testing, startup activities, and production readiness efforts.
• Facilitate project meetings and communicate milestones, risks, and status updates to stakeholders.
• Support operational handoff and post-startup stabilization activities.

Testing, Validation & Startup

• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Oversee equipment commissioning, startup, validation, and performance verification.
• Coordinate technical trials to ensure packaging systems meet operational and quality requirements.
• Resolve technical issues during ramp-up and implementation phases.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve packaging line performance, reliability, throughput, and efficiency.
• Analyze equipment performance data and implement optimization initiatives.
• Support automation enhancements and process improvement projects.
• Recommend equipment modifications to improve operational effectiveness and reduce downtime.

Technical Support & Maintenance

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for packaging equipment and automated systems.
• Assist maintenance teams with root cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Develop technical procedures, maintenance documentation, and operational standards.
• Support technical training and skill development initiatives for maintenance and operations personnel.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all project activities comply with safety policies, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in equipment safety reviews, risk assessments, and hazard mitigation efforts.
• Promote a culture of safety and operational excellence during all project phases.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems and manufacturing standards.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain project schedules, engineering drawings, specifications, and implementation records.
• Prepare project updates, financial reports, technical analyses, and performance summaries.
• Ensure all documentation accurately reflects installed equipment and system modifications.

Required Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Mechanical Engineering or a similar engineering field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of engineering experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience managing capital projects, equipment installations, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously while managing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing and packaging systems.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Packaging line equipment and automation systems.
• Manufacturing process engineering principles.
• Equipment commissioning and startup activities.
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence methodologies.
• Equipment reliability and maintenance best practices.
• AutoCAD or similar engineering design software.
• Budget management and capital planning.
• Root cause analysis and troubleshooting techniques.

Core Competencies

• Project Management
• Capital Project Execution
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Packaging Systems Design
• Vendor Management
• Technical Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Budget Administration
• Process Improvement
• Risk Management
• Operational Excellence
• Stakeholder Communication

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and production facility environment.
• Frequent interaction with operations, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supplier teams.
• Periodic support during equipment installations, startups, commissioning activities, and production interruptions.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments while managing multiple priorities and project deadlines.

This role is ideal for an engineering professional who combines strong technical expertise, project leadership, and operational experience to successfully deliver packaging projects, improve manufacturing performance, and support business growth initiatives.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.
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