Project Engineer

About Us

Tandem Foods is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in better-for-you snacks, including nutrition bars, chocolate-molded products, granola, and gourmet baked goods.

With eight manufacturing facilities nationwide, Tandem Foods is dedicated to driving customer growth and innovation in the booming better-for-you snack market. Our tagline, "Powered by Collaboration," reflects our commitment to meaningful partnerships with customers, employees, and communities to deliver trusted quality, innovation, and unparalleled value.

Join us as we continue to grow, driven by customer needs and inspired by limitless possibilities in crafting delicious and nutritious snacks.

Job Summary

Tandem Foods is seeking a highly skilled Project Engineer to support our operations in Rialto, CA. This role is crucial to driving operational excellence through engineering expertise, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will lead projects that enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and deliver measurable results across our manufacturing sites.

Definition of Success

Success in this role means optimizing efficiency and profitability by designing, managing, and executing engineering projects from inception to completion. This includes developing project scopes, collaborating across functions, and ensuring timely and budget-conscious execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering projects, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and safety standards.
• Research, assess, and recommend equipment improvements to enhance manufacturing operations.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on automated food processing equipment, including conveyors, mixers, and case packers.
• Partner with maintenance and plant engineers to troubleshoot issues and enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop deep expertise in manufacturing processes, including ingredients, formulas, and workflows, to optimize production lines.
• Identify project phases, assign personnel, and evaluate contractor bids.
• Provide status updates and communicate project progress to key stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Manage internal and external schedules to align with contracts, budgets, and production plans.
• Ensure compliance with technical specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Drive cost savings and efficiency improvements through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor project schedules, proactively resolving issues to maintain project momentum.
• Control costs by overseeing contractor agreements and approving expenditures.
• Maintain safety, quality, and environmental compliance in all engineering projects.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus: Understands and meets the needs of internal and external customers.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Thrives in a dynamic environment and responds effectively to change.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works seamlessly with diverse teams across the organization.
• Initiative & Ownership: Takes proactive steps to develop solutions and establish best practices.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies root causes, mitigates risks, and implements effective solutions.
• Project & Time Management: Manages multiple priorities while ensuring accountability and timely execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 2 to 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (7+ years for senior-level candidates).
• Strong knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles is preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and MS Office (Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with excellent communication and organizational abilities.

Why Join Tandem Foods?

At Tandem Foods, we are building something extraordinary. Our passion for food innovation drives us to create high-quality products while fostering a culture of teamwork, growth, and excellence.

Tandem Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. We provide equal consideration for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.