Project Engineer

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Project Engineer. We take pride in our vision to be the "world's best", it's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

Leprino Foods broke ground on the $1 Billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plant will became operational in 2025 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026 with Phase 2!

The Project Engineer supports the conception and completion of assigned capital projects, including development, design, purchase, construction, and start-up to satisfy budgetary limits, production needs and governmental requirements.

• Coordinates assigned projects/priorities by ensuring the timely completion is within budget, ensures appropriate paybacks are forecasted and achieves expected outcomes.
• Schedules all project work including design, equipment selection, construction, and equipment installation, in coordination with available downtime to minimize impact on production and to confirm compliance with governmental regulatory specifications (O.S.H.A., F.D.A., building codes, etc.).
• Prepares and implements Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) by coordinating with production management, as well as other outside sources to obtain input and review.
• Prepares specifications, drawings, and layouts.
• Obtains quotes, develops costs analysis, budget and project schedule.
• Directly supervises contractors and coordinates activities with consulting services.
• Identifies, develops and leads improvements to utility, process, or energy systems, to improve efficiency or reduce cost.
• Leads improvements, modifications, and upgrades to processes and equipment, under the requirements of production needs.
• Provides formal and informal technical training and development to plant production.
• Provides technical and engineering expertise and guidance to production and maintenance to improve productivity and reduce cost.
• Inspects and approves all work done to validate quality, man hour efficiency, compliance and contractor productivity.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or related field or similar work experience in related industry
• 3+ years of experience in equipment reliability and/or plant maintenance, additional education may substitute experience where applicable

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Dairy/Cheese manufacturing experience
• Previous Engineering experience in manufacturing environment

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering you in return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries, tuition assistance, vacation, holiday, dedicated sick time, matching 401(k), annual merit increases and bonuses, as well as our annual Profit-Sharing plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods' history dates back over 65 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." To help us achieve that bold vision, we're looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to over 4,300 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?