Packaging Equipment Project Engineer
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Salary: $105,000+ depending on experience
Overview
An established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced engineering professional to support capital projects and packaging system initiatives within a regulated production environment. This role will oversee packaging equipment projects from planning and design through installation, startup, qualification, and operational support.
The ideal candidate will have strong project ownership skills, technical engineering expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with operations and support teams in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
### Primary Responsibilities
Packaging & Equipment Engineering
Lead engineering efforts involving packaging machinery and production support systems
Develop equipment layouts and assist with packaging line integration and optimization
Coordinate installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification activities for manufacturing equipment
Create and execute testing plans to confirm equipment functionality and performance
Support equipment sourcing activities, including participation in vendor assessments, FATs, and SATs
Project Oversight
Manage multiple engineering and capital projects simultaneously
Track schedules, budgets, project scope, and implementation milestones
Prepare project cost estimates and support long-range capital planning activities
Communicate project updates, timelines, and progress to key stakeholders
Review contractor proposals, technical documentation, and engineering change requests
Cross-Department Collaboration
Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Maintenance, and Procurement teams to ensure successful project execution
Coordinate activities with external suppliers, contractors, and internal departments
Ensure engineering activities align with company standards and operational requirements
Regulatory Compliance & Process Improvement
Maintain compliance with cGMP standards and applicable regulatory requirements
Support change control documentation and equipment validation activities
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, and standardization
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
Documentation & Technical Support
Develop and maintain SOPs, technical procedures, reports, and support documentation
Maintain accurate engineering records and project files
Provide technical guidance and training for operations and maintenance personnel
Act as an engineering resource for troubleshooting and process support
### Qualifications
Education & Industry Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
Experience in regulated manufacturing industries strongly preferred
Practical experience with equipment installation, startup, qualification, and validation activities
Technical & Professional Skills
Strong organizational and project coordination abilities
Ability to manage competing priorities independently
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Familiarity with cGMP environments and regulated manufacturing standards
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and process flow diagrams
Experience using CAD or related engineering software is beneficial
Proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
### Benefits & Compensation
