Project Engineer

Shanks, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shanks quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal IngredientsUniversal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire:

Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer:

Shanks Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

The Project Engineer serves as the site subject matter expert (SME) on developing plant capacity and capability using the Capital Engineering process. The Project Engineer evaluates, identifies, vets, plans and implements the site capital projects to help the plant meet its strategic goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify, Plan and Execute projects ensuring adherence to safety, quality, schedule, and budget. Learn the equipment and manufacturing processesParticipate as the SME in the capital budgeting processParticipate in KPI reviews and cost saving process improvement project ideation workshopsEvaluate process improvement requests. Provide justification for capital expenditure Create strategic action plans and cost estimates that include materials, time, labor, and other resources Select vendors for equipment purchases, installations, and facility upgrades Oversee procurement of capital equipment Direct the installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment and processes Supervise equipment design changes and building / infrastructure projects Manage general contractors/subcontractors Maintain budget, schedule, and project databaseDrive stakeholder engagement & alignment through communication to all levels of the organizationProvide regular updates on project progress, plans, and problems that affect cost or scheduleEnsure compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes, Ensure compliance with company guidelines, practices, quality policies, performance standards, and specifications Supports achievement of

Plant Goals:

Evaluate equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance and output, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Collaborate with the Operations and Maintenance Departments to identify and troubleshoot problemsCollaborate with the Maintenance Department to optimize maintenance cycles. Collaborate with Operations and R D to implement new products and processesDevelop test methods for evaluating equipment and processesPerform other related duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED

Strong interpersonal and communication skills is requiredManaging capital expenditure projects of $500k or more is required Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) is requiredFamiliarity with AutoCAD/Solidworks or any other computer-aided engineering application is preferredEnglish comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND

EXPERIENCEBachelors degree in Engineering is preferredAt least 7 years of Manufacturing Project Engineer experience is requiredFood or Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience is requiredProject scoping and management experience is requiredLine layout experience is requiredChange management experience is requiredAseptic packaging experience is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sits 50% of the time and uses a computer and keyboard. Stands and walks 50% of the time.

Frequent phone conversations and meetings Seldom exposed to dust, dirt, cold, fumes, noise, dryness, wetness, vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasional exposure to heat, and odors. Light work requires little physical effort.

Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and CultureConduct:

We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality:

Shanks is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity:

Shanks and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture:

Shanks respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION

Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY

Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY

Evolve to meet business needs •Competitive compensation and benefits package•Shanks Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients Shanks is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.