Capex Engineer

POSITION TITLE: Capex EngineerPOSITION STATUS: Full-Time, PermanentLOCATION: Hazelwood, MODEPARTMENT: OperationsREPORT TO: VP of OperationsEFFECTIVE DATE: May 2026Cérélia's newly established Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle - is driving an ambitious growth strategy, backed by two manufacturing facilities, Liberty, SC, and Hazelwood, MO. To effectively support the rapid scaling of operations at our state-of-the-art Hazelwood facility, US Waffle is seeking a dynamic and skilled Capex Engineer to join our team in Hazelwood, MO.The Capex Engineer will lead and manage small to large-scale, complex engineering projects at our state-of-the-art food manufacturing plant and contribute to operational strategic development. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering principles, advanced project management skills, and thorough knowledge of food production processes.This role is critical for the development of both the team and the plant by ensuring that engineering projects, regardless of scale or complexity, are executed efficiently, meet rigorous quality standards, and align with the company’s strategic goals and plant success criteria.This strategic position will report directly to the VP of Operations of the Hazelwood Frozen Breakfast Business Unit.Primary ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive project scopes and develop accurate cost estimatesDevelop and manage detailed project timelines (Gantt charts), adapting to complex project requirementsLead and oversee large and complex projects, ensuring all technical, budgetary, and timeline objectives are metLead and coordinate cross-functional project teams and external contractors, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability throughout the project lifecycleUpon successful project startup and operator training, hand over the project and provide ongoing support to the process owner during the transitionEnsure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet or exceed product quality expectationsDevelop, own, and actively manage detailed project schedules, with daily and weekly tracking to ensure alignment with business priorities; identify and escalate risks early, and implement recovery plans proactivelyDrive structured risk management, including change control and contingency planning, to minimize project disruptions and ensure timely decision-makingOversee procurement timelines, maintaining consistent follow-up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery of materials, equipment, and services in line with project milestonesHold suppliers and contractors accountable for scope, quality, safety, and schedule performance through proactive communication, contract enforcement, and strong field oversightMaintain a consistent on-site presence to ensure effective coordination between engineering plans and field execution, resolve issues in real time, and support team alignmentLead commissioning and startup efforts, providing hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving support to ensure a smooth transition to operational ownershipCore CompetenciesDrive High Performance: Establishes clear accountability for outcomes. Demonstrates focus and discipline in planning and execution. Acts with speed, agility and demonstrates a sense of urgency to keep momentumCollaborate: Builds and maintains strong relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. Actively listens and communicates openly. Engages constructively in debates. Supports and executes decisions once madeCan-do attitude: Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused approach, actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes, and readily tackles challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. Thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by delivering impactful resultsInnovate: Challenges the status quo by pro-actively identifying opportunities for improvement. encourages sharing best practices, creativity, and experimentation; learns from setbacks and adapts quicklyAccuracy and Attention to Detail: Exhibits precision and thoroughness, consistently producing reliable work. Demonstrates diligence in reviewing data, identifying discrepancies promptly, and ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and complianceQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Food Engineering, or related field)3+ years of experience in project and process engineering, including managing large and complex projects within food manufacturing or a related industrySolid understanding of industrial electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, pneumatics, and fluid handlingExperience interpreting P&IDs, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawingsProven ability to quickly learn new product-specific processes and lead engineering projects; strong knowledge of general manufacturing processes and technologiesFamiliarity with food safety regulations and quality assurance standards is a plus (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP)PMP or equivalent project management certification is advantageousProficient with project management software and engineering toolsPOSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORKThis is a Full Time, permanent positionExempt position 40 hours per week, and it may require working additional hours depending on business need requirementsThis is an on-site position and not a candidate for remote workPowered by JazzHRTCPSctKHBH