Job Description

Packaging Equipment Project Engineer

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Salary: $105,000+ depending on experience

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

• Competitive compensation package beginning at $105,000 annually
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Company-paid life and disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Additional employee benefit programs and resources