Capital Project Engineering Manager
- Austin, MN
- $120,000-140,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Austin, MN
Schedule: Monday to Friday, on-site onlyWhy This Role Stands Out
- Salary range of $120,000 to $140,000 plus bonus
- Relocation assistance available on a case-by-case basis
- Take ownership of capital projects from the ground up
- Be a key player in facility expansion and automation planning
- Wear multiple hats across engineering, construction, and project design
- Build and scale processes in a high-output, PE-backed manufacturing plant
- Work in a stable organization that's actively investing in growth
- Lead cross-functional projects that directly impact efficiency, food safety, and infrastructure
This is a site-based leadership role focused on managing the full lifecycle of capital projects within a 275,000 sq. ft. ready-to-eat food production facility. You'll be responsible for leading large-scale upgrades, automation initiatives, and facility expansions as part of a long-term investment strategy.
From coordinating construction and installing new production systems to managing budgets and working with cross-functional teams, you'll drive the execution of high-impact projects across the plant. The role is hands-on, with a strong focus on developing systems that improve safety, efficiency, and reliability.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the planning and execution of facility upgrades, packaging lines, cold storage expansions, and new automation systems
- Manage capital spend up to $10 million annually
- Scope and execute construction projects including warehouse additions and production floor reconfiguration
- Oversee vendor selection, construction timelines, and contractor management
- Collaborate with internal teams across operations, maintenance, IT, and sanitation
- Use CAD software to develop and communicate engineering plans
- Support refrigeration, mixing, and filling system design and implementation
- Maintain documentation, regulatory compliance, and budget forecasting for all projects
- Develop PM schedules with maintenance and provide technical training for equipment transitions
- Identify long-term infrastructure needs and create a scalable capital plan
- BS is required, ideally in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
- 5 to 7+ years of capital engineering and project management experience in a food, chemical or consumer products (CPG) manufacturing environment
- Strong technical background with CAD proficiency
- Familiarity with facility construction, food-grade equipment, and sanitation protocols is preferred
- Experience with automated systems, robotics, pumps, refrigeration, mixing, conveyors and filling lines preferred
- Comfortable managing contractors and coordinating end-to-end project execution
- Proven ability to align projects with strategic plant goals while managing budget, timing, and compliance
- Working knowledge of FDA and food safety standards
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
If you're ready to take the lead on capital projects that will shape the future of a growing ready-to-eat manufacturing plant, we want to hear from you. Send your resume to start the conversation.#ZR