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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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