Sr. Project Engineer Location: Dodge City, KS Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000 (DOE) Bonus: Up to 14% target annual bonus Relocation: Up to $15,000 Schedule: On-site, MondayFriday (full-time) Travel: 015%
About the Role Join a nationwide industry leader producing high-quality dairy and nutrition ingredients for retail and foodservice brands across the globe. Were seeking a Sr. Project Engineer to lead capital projects at the Dodge City, KS site.
This role blends design engineering and technical project management, executing strategic capital projects that enhance asset reliability, performance, and growth. Key Responsibilities
Manage 45 capital projects simultaneously and commission 1015 projects annually with a total investment up to $20M.
Lead the full project lifecycle: concept development, scope, estimating, scheduling, funding requests, detailed engineering/design, construction, commissioning, and validation.
Own budgets, forecasts (±10% accuracy), schedules, procurement, vendor coordination, and risk management.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to less-experienced engineers (may supervise 02).
Maintain accurate P&IDs, BOMs, oversee field changes, and ensure design documentation integrity.
Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, state dairy, environmental, and safety regulations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Maintenance, R&D, Quality, Safety, Environmental, Accounting, and Leadership.
Lead vendor engagements (RFPs, pricing, equipment specifications) and review commercial terms for recommendations.
Apply engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, process controls), statistical analysis, risk matrices, and whole-life asset costing to inform decisions.
Prepare and deliver presentations on design, risk, and investment decisions to leadership.
A Typical Week
Driving project execution across design, construction, and commissioning.
Coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Reviewing designs, schedules, estimates, risk registers, and monthly spend/forecast.
Leading project reviews and technical discussions; presenting status and decision points.
Splitting time between office work and manufacturing floor presence (PPE required).
Qualifications Required:
Bachelors in Engineering (ABET accredited degree) + 5 years related experience OR Masters + 3 years related experience.
3-5 years experience within the Food, Dairy, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, or Oil & Gas industry.
Demonstrated capital project management in manufacturing or process environments.
3+ years of Process Engineering experience.
Strong communication with the ability to convey complex technical and business concepts.
Sound engineering judgment; ability to propose practical, innovative solutions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Demonstrated integrity, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement mindset.
Preferred:
Bachelors + 7 years or Masters + 4 years related experience.
Background in Food, Dairy, Oil & Gas, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, or high?hygienic, sanitary facility environments.
Familiarity with 3A sanitary standards, FDA/USDA/PMO, and state dairy manufacturing regulations.
Certifications: PMP, PMI?RMP, IAM (Project/Asset/Risk Management).
Experience with Planview or Microsoft Project.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Mix of office and production-floor environments; regular walking/standing and handling moderate-weight materials.
PPE required in manufacturing areas; exposure to both temperature-controlled and non-controlled settings.
Frequent verbal interaction and cross-functional collaboration.
What We Offer
Competitive base pay with growth potential based on education and experience.
Comprehensive benefits including matching 401(k).
14% target annual bonus
Relocation assistance up to $15,000.
Opportunity to lead meaningful capital investments at a high-impact facility.