Project Engineer of Live Operations

Title: Project Engineer of Live Operations

Location: NC, US, 27401

Workplace: Salaried

Department: Engineering
Remote

Job Description:

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

 

Summary

Drive operational excellence and capital project success across live operations as a Project Engineer. In this role, you lead capital planning and execution for feed mill and hatchery operations, ensuring projects support safety, compliance, quality, and profitable growth. You partner closely with operations, engineering, and cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned to business objectives. Leveraging strong technical expertise and project management skills, you build plans, manage risks, and coordinate resources to keep projects on track. This role is ideal for a collaborative, hands-on engineer who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about delivering impactful, high-quality results.

 This position is remote within NC (Central preferred) with travel to project locations.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead technical strategies and tactics focused on safety, compliance, quality, environmental performance, profitable growth, and cost.

• Partner collaboratively with operations and engineering leadership to execute capital projects aligned with company values and project deliverables.

• Manage capital projects, including facility infrastructure, equipment, production systems, technical maintenance support, environmental initiatives, and energy utilization.

• Conduct project meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure scope and business objectives are delivered on time and within budget.

• Utilize engineering work processes to support successful project execution.

• Build project timelines, clearly define objectives, and identify risks.

• Develop 5-year capital plans and forecast spending for assigned areas.

• Train project managers and team members on project management methodologies and best practices.

• Serve as a technical resource for project teams.

• Escalate issues to leadership to maintain project timelines and performance.

• Report key project management metrics.

• Build and maintain accurate floor plans and equipment layouts.

• Ensure infrastructure meets or exceeds operational needs, including safety, code compliance, and mechanical, electrical, boiler, and HVAC systems.

• Collaborate with safety, quality, operations, maintenance, and environmental teams to support project success.

• Travel frequently to various sites to support project execution.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, agricultural, civil, structural engineering, or related discipline.

• 3–5 years of related work experience.

• Ability to travel to remote facilities and project sites, with frequent and extensive travel requirements.

• Demonstrate proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in construction, grain material handling, milling equipment, project management, and equipment layout.

• Demonstrate experience in problem solving, negotiating, managing resources, and establishing and meeting schedules.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Work is performed on project and plant sites, including active production environments.

• Perform floor-level activities such as troubleshooting and redesign of existing systems.

• Move equipment and access files, supplies, and tools as needed.

• Work in environments including offices, construction sites, feed mills, hatcheries, and wastewater facilities.

• Exposure to wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.

• Exposure to temperatures ranging from 28°F to 100°F and high humidity levels.

• Exposure to noise levels ranging from 50 dB to 110 dB.

• Exposure to chemicals used in processing facilities.

• Wear required personal protective and safety equipment.

• Work at heights and around operating equipment.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.