**About This Opportunity**

You’re not just managing projects; you’re building the future of industrial automation. We’re seeking a Strategic Project Engineering Manager to transform visionary concepts into tangible, cutting-edge solutions for the meat processing industry. This is where technical expertise meets big-picture thinking. You’ll be the driving force behind complex automation initiatives, turning challenges into innovative realities that enhance efficiency and redefine standards. If you’re passionate about technology, thrive on collaboration, and want to see your designs come to life in a critical industry, this is your role.

**Your Mission**

You will be the central architect for groundbreaking automation projects. Collaborating closely with business partners and cross-functional teams, you’ll translate operational needs into engineered solutions. As the trusted authority from concept to completion, you’ll ensure every project is viable, cost-effective, and brilliantly executed.

**What You Will Do**

* Own the project lifecycle: develop preliminary designs, specifications, and accurate cost estimates.
* Conduct in-depth research, feasibility studies, and economic analyses to validate design approaches.
* Establish design criteria based on required standards and codes, validating field work and creating precise as-built drawings.
* Serve as the key coordinator: aligning project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors to ensure seamless implementation.
* Provide clear direction to equipment vendors on layout planning, utility requirements, and installation timelines.
* Review and evaluate work from consultants and contractors, ensuring accuracy and offering expert recommendations for adjustments.
* Be the hub of project knowledge, maintaining all critical documentation—from equipment manuals and mechanical/electrical drawings to parts lists and vendor contacts.

Your strategic responsibilities will also include conducting pre-project engineering reviews, determining the scope of work, preparing and evaluating RFPs, and administering contracts. You’ll keep leadership informed with detailed, timely reports on progress and key developments.

**You Bring...**

* A minimum of 2+ years of proven project engineering management experience, specifically with industrial equipment automation.
* A passion for technology and innovation within a manufacturing or processing environment.
* The ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and business partners, translating needs into actionable plans.
* A meticulous eye for detail in design, validation, and documentation.
* Strong leadership skills to guide vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams toward a common goal.

**Location & Compensation**

This role is based at our facility in **Kinston, North Carolina**. We offer a competitive annual salary of **$125