The Project Manager – Process Equipment Installation is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the installation, integration, and commissioning of new and upgraded process equipment at manufacturing facilities. This role manages all phases of installation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of sanitary process systems, cross-functional leadership skills, and hands-on project execution experience in food & beverage or regulated manufacturing environments.
Lead the planning, scheduling, and execution of process equipment installation projects from scope development through startup.
Coordinate installation activities across internal teams, equipment vendors, contractors, and plant personnel.
Manage project budgets, timelines, risk registers, and issue resolution.
Interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, mechanical layouts, and equipment manuals to ensure proper installation.
Oversee utility tie-ins, rigging, anchoring, mechanical/electrical connections, and commissioning protocols.
Ensure systems meet sanitary design, mechanical integrity, and operational performance requirements.
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, QA, and EHS to align installation plans with plant readiness and production schedules.
Serve as the liaison between OEMs, fabrication shops, system integrators, and site leadership.
Facilitate design reviews, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and site acceptance tests (SAT).
Ensure installations comply with FDA, USDA, FSMA, 3-A Sanitary, ASME, and company engineering standards.
Enforce all safety protocols, LOTO procedures, and contractor safety training during field execution.
Lead safety reviews and pre-startup inspections for new systems.
Maintain accurate project records, equipment documentation, and redlines for as-built drawings.
Prepare commissioning checklists, punch lists, and close-out reports.
Train plant personnel on system operation, maintenance procedures, and equipment performance expectations.
Installation and startup of sanitary process equipment
Project execution, scheduling, and contractor management
Equipment integration and utility coordination
Regulatory compliance and plant safety
Documentation, commissioning, and operator handoff
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field
Associate degree with extensive hands-on project experience may be considered
Certifications:
PMP (Project Management Professional), OSHA 30, or related construction safety training preferred
Familiarity with 3-A Sanitary Standards, ASME codes, and GMP/HACCP requirements
Experience:
5–10 years of experience in process equipment installation or capital project execution in food, beverage, dairy, pharma, or CPG environments
Proven track record of managing installation and commissioning of tanks, CIP/SIP systems, pumps, valves, piping, and automation interfaces
Experience working with OEMs, fabricators, riggers, and multi-disciplinary teams on plant floor
Technical Skills:
Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, and P&IDs
Proficiency in Microsoft Project, AutoCAD, and CMMS/asset documentation tools
Knowledge of sanitary design, process safety, and mechanical/electrical integration
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Detail-oriented and highly organized project leader
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage vendors, contractors, and technical teams in a dynamic environment
Hands-on problem solver with a focus on safe, reliable, and high-quality installations