Principal (Director) Project Engineer - Wastewater

Summary

This role is responsible for defining project scope, developing project budgets, and managing the design, construction, and start-up of wastewater treatment plants at Chobani’s Twin Falls, Idaho site, as well as other Chobani locations as needed. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, effective communication, leadership, decision-making ability, and self-sufficiency.

This position requires prior experience leading large capital projects focused on the design and construction of wastewater treatment systems, with a preference for experience in dairy manufacturing. The Principal Project Engineer role is equivalent in grade level to Director of Process Engineering but functions as an individual contributor with no direct reports.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Define the scope of the project in collaboration with senior management, end users, and key stakeholders.

• Create work breakdown structures, capital expenditure requests, manage budgets and forecasts, and facilitate asset creation.

• Create and execute detailed work plans outlining activities required to successfully complete the project.

• Select and manage the resources required to complete the project, including contracting qualified consultants as appropriate.

• Define project objectives and measures for evaluation upon completion.

• Ensure all project personnel receive proper orientation to the organization and the project.

• Apply change management practices in accordance with Chobani’s Project Control Plan.

• Follow Chobani’s project management structure and documentation requirements.

• Monitor project progress and adjust as necessary to ensure performance and earned value align with the baseline plan.

• Review project schedules with senior management and other stakeholders; update regularly as needed.

• Initiate, manage, and reconcile all budgeted project expenditures.

• Manage cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variances to senior management on a regular basis.

• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.

• Oversee project closure processes, including asset cost allocation, identification of non–value-added activities, and asset disposals.

• Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices.

• Be available to work off hours and weekends as needed to complete projects.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently.

Requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

• 8+ years of capital project engineering experience in the food and beverage industry; dairy preferred.

• Minimum 5 years experience with design, construction, and operation of wastewater pre-treatment systems in manufacturing environments.

• PMP certification preferred.

• Strong initiative, decision-making, commercial/business acumen, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and work independently or collaboratively.

• Positive attitude, high energy, flexibility, and personal initiative.

• Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.