Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer

Reports to: VEST Engineering Manager

Job Summary

The VEST (Volm Engineered Solutions Team) provides plant design, systems integration, and solutions services to our current customers and new markets where growth opportunities have been identified.  

Essential Duties

• Gain expert level knowledge of product and application in fresh produce packaging equipment.

• Gather and document customer requirements through sales reps, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. 

• Travel to project sites to gather site and customer requirement information. 

• Translate customer requirements into RFQs and specifications for third party vendors and Volm partners.

• Work closely with third party vendors and Volm partners to develop solutions to customers packaging equipment needs. 

• Develop project proposals, pricing, and scope documents for customer quotes and contracts. 

• Create accurate BOMs for sourcing department to procure equipment. 

• Utilize design skills to creatively solve space restriction issues with third-party vendors and Volm partner equipment. 

• Develop plant layouts integrating customer, third party vendor, and Volm partners CAD models.

• Create accurate installation drawings to allow Volm technicians to install equipment.

• Travel to project sites to assist installation team with engineering support. 

• Manage equipment projects from concept to execution.

• Perform technical/product training for sales team members, technicians, and customers. 

• Provide status of ongoing and future projects.

• Assist in the creation of engineering standards and best practices. 

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong project management skills preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of products. 

• Strong spatial awareness.

• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD. 

• Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, and electrical blueprints.

• Solid understanding of basic electrical and mechanical control systems.

• Have a valid passport, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire date. 

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.

• Effective organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Adaptability and flexibility to embrace change and learn new skills.

• Strong time management skills for efficient task allocation and meeting deadlines.

• Meticulous attention to detail in completing tasks and maintaining high-quality standards.

• Customer service orientation with a focus on understanding and addressing customer needs.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of engineering principles and technical competencies normally acquired by the completion of an Associate's degree or technical certification in engineering or a related technical field, and/or equivalent work experience.

• Experience in PLC programming preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.

• Capability to lift and carry objects of various weights up to 50 pounds occasionally

• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.

• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.

• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.

• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.

• Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.

• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.

• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist.  They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.  Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.

• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others.  But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.

• A Desire For "Expert" (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles.  From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for "expert" drives us in each of our roles.

• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change.  Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them.   We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.

• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.

• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort.  When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection.  When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.

• If It Isn't Safe, We Don't Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely.  When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and "x" – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires routine overnight travel and routine travel within the workday.  Overnight travel is expected once a month or every other month. The duration of each trip will vary based on the travel location.

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company is required. Inclusion in the company's driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.

• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.

• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.