Project Engineer II

Project Engineer II – Oregon Freeze Dry – West Henrietta, NY

Are you ready for your next adventure? Oregon Freeze Dry is a purpose‑driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze‑drying technology and is best known as the maker of Mountain House© meals. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, fueling bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We are committed to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement and look forward to the next chapter.

As a Project Engineer II on the Facilities and Engineering team, you will lead capital projects from concept to completion, advance new equipment installations and process improvements, and provide hands‑on technical support to manufacturing and maintenance. You will:

• Lead and execute all aspects of capital projects, including cost estimates, scope definition, capital appropriation requests, design specifications, bidding processes, budget management, contractor coordination, installation, and start‑up.
• Establish and maintain viable contractors, vendors, and fabricators.
• Research and recommend innovative technologies and equipment solutions to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
• Track plant utilities and collaborate with local energy groups and maintenance teams to support energy projects and incentives.
• Deliver technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams for the optimization and modification of plant systems (steam, refrigeration, vacuum, air, nitrogen) and processing and packaging operations.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations (OSHA, USDA, FDA, UBC, SQF, ISO).
• Utilize EAM software to add and update assets and analyze historical data to identify trends and inform project decisions.
• Lead the Process Safety Management (PSM) program for the New York site and oversee preventative maintenance program for the NY location.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Director and site leadership on construction, renovation, infrastructure, and maintenance initiatives, contributing to the company’s long‑term strategic plan.

• Minimum three (3) years of project engineering experience in the food manufacturing industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Biomedical) or closely related technical field.
• Proven experience leading the scope, planning, and execution of capital projects in a food or related manufacturing environment, including cost estimation, financial analysis, and project management.
• Strong technical aptitude for designing, developing, and implementing new equipment and processes within a production setting.
• Experience leading and/or actively participating in PSM programs.
• Proficiency in CAD software for design and technical documentation.
• Solid understanding of regulatory and industry standards (OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF, ISO).
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
• Working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, including troubleshooting and optimization.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLC programming, and HMI programming.
• Reliable transportation; ability to work various hours in a 24/7 environment.

Competitive total rewards package with base salary $80,000 - $100,000 per year. Additional benefits include:

• Customizable healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• FSA or HSA for extra flexibility.
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Paid company holidays, PTO and sick time.
• Community support opportunities.
• Employee discounts on Mountain House products.
• Referral bonuses.

Oregon Freeze Dry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.