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Salary: USD 140,000 - 220,000 / annual
Chobani is seeking a Principal (Director) Engineer, Capital Projects to lead complex, high-impact strategic capital projects within its global manufacturing network. This is a critical leadership position within the Global Engineering and Project Management team, reporting to the Vice President of Engineering & Project Management.
The role combines strategic resource management, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration across Chobani's manufacturing facilities. You will lead a team of engineering professionals spanning mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines, directing them through the full lifecycle of capital projects from concept through commissioning.
Key responsibilities include:
**Resource & Strategic Management:**
- Lead capital critical planning initiatives and develop short- and long-term capital project roadmaps aligned with company goals
- Manage a team of engineers and coordinate work between internal teams, subcontractors, and external vendors
- Identify obsolete or at-risk equipment and systems; develop preventive plans to avoid unplanned failures
- Champion manufacturing process improvements and new technologies to drive competitive advantage
- Oversee employee development, performance management, recruitment, and retention
- Set positive leadership examples and foster strong employee relations
**Project & Account Management:**
- Serve as senior project manager for select capital projects
- Lead budgeting and track accountability for global engineering spending
- Ensure projects meet contractual, cost, and schedule objectives
- Develop and approve master engineering project documentation (drawings, specifications, data sheets)
- Conduct root cause analysis for complex manufacturing equipment issues
- Analyze costs and develop cost reduction plans for capital improvements
- Ensure compliance with local, state, federal regulations, and FM Global standards
- Communicate project status regularly to senior management and conduct project reviews
- Establish and improve engineering standards and guidelines
The ideal candidate brings deep industrial manufacturing experience, proven leadership across multiple engineering functions, and a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
**Requirements:**
- 15+ years' experience in manufacturing and process technologies
- Previous experience with Food and Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods companies (required)
- 10+ years developing engineering strategy to support manufacturing environments
- 7+ years managerial and leadership experience over multiple engineering functions
- 7+ years of project management experience including project timeliness, budgets, and risk analysis
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering (chemical, mechanical, industrial, or process preferred)
- Project/Program Management training and/or certification (PMP) preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project
- Familiarity with common CAD software (SolidWorks desired)
- SAP experience desired but not required
- Strong creative problem-solving abilities for complex manufacturing challenges
- Demonstrated tactical and strategic leadership capability
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build relationships and interact effectively at all organizational levels
- Strong people management and mentoring skills
- Ability to travel as required
- Self-motivated, independent worker comfortable in high-pressure environments
- Proficiency with PC systems and department-specific databases
