Expert Project Engineer

TL;DR

Expert Project Engineer (Packaging Equipment): Lead the design, installation, and start-up of plant construction and process equipment projects for Feed Supply Chain and Manufacturing operations with an accent on packaging equipment. Focus on developing project scope and process designs, managing capital estimates and contractor/vendor implementation, and validating process improvements through audits and in-plant testing.

Location: Remote in the USA with reasonable proximity to an airport (also possible at Land O’Lakes Corporate Headquarters in Arden Hills, MN). 50% to 75% travel; exposure to all shifts; installations can be up to 3 weeks including weekends.

Salary: $123,920 - $185,880

Company

Land O’Lakes is a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative reimagining the business of food.

What you will do

• Prepare process designs, equipment specifications, and capital estimates for upgrades and modifications to existing systems.
• Track equipment condition and provide long-term repair/replacement projections based on equipment age and cycles.
• Manage capital approval and implementation steps with Feed Engineering Manager and Plant Managers.
• Lead contractor, equipment vendor, and plant coordination to deliver projects on budget and on schedule.
• Conduct process evaluations (process system audits and in-plant testing) and validate expected improvements from capital investments.
• Evaluate process variables and recommend improvements for processing and energy efficiency; develop equipment standards and optimization methods.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Agricultural, Food, Feed Process, or related) and 5+ years of project management experience (strongly preferred).
• Alternative: 4-year degree with 7+ years in plant management, supervision, or maintenance roles in feed/grain handling, milling, or processing, with leadership focus in large capital projects.
• Highly preferred: technical experience in packaging equipment and robotics; technical processing expertise for Feed Operations.
• Proven track record in project management, capital expenditures, and driving process improvements; ability to manage multiple projects and cost initiatives.
• Solid working knowledge of mechanical/agricultural concepts and processing plants and equipment.
• Highly effective communication and ability to collaborate with operators, supervisors, and plant managers; strong root-cause problem solving and fact-based recommendations.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, 401k, and well-being resources.
• Travel required (50% to 75%) with exposure to all shifts to refine and implement improvements.
• Work in feed manufacturing facilities with typical levels of dust and noise.
• Equal opportunity employer with a drug-free workforce.

Hiring process

• Interviews and evaluation of project management and process improvement experience.
• Assessment of fit for plant operations collaboration and ability to deliver capital projects on schedule and budget.