Project Engineer

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people.  Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

Are you an engineer who thrives on turning ideas into reality? We’re looking for a Project Engineer to lead capital projects that keep our operations safe, efficient, and high-performing. In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with hands-on leadership to deliver meaningful improvements across our facility located in O’Fallon, Missouri.

As a Project Engineer, you’ll take ownership of projects from concept to completion while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, start-up, and closeout
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
• Provide technical expertise to improve equipment reliability and optimize processes
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to enhance productivity, safety, and product quality
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Support long-term capital planning and strategic facility improvements
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Champion a strong safety culture and uphold all EHS procedures

• Experience with food or process manufacturing equipment (tanks, pumps, dryers, packaging systems, etc.)
• Familiarity with HACCP, cGMP, and food safety programs
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited)
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software
• Working knowledge of PLC systems and industrial automation
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, chemical, or process manufacturing industries
• Familiarity with food manufacturing equipment (tanks, pumps, grinders, spray dryers, blenders, packaging systems)
• Experience with HACCP, cGMP, and food safety programs
• PLC programming experience
• Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience supporting capital planning or long-term facility improvements

If you’re ready to take the lead on projects that truly make a difference—from improving safety to driving operational excellence—this is your opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and results, and enjoy a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your future. Apply today and be part of building a smarter, stronger operation.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.