Senior Manager, Project Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Project Engineer

Job Description

The Sr. Project Engineering Manager leads capital equipment, automation, packaging, and manufacturing improvement projects that support high-volume production operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging, Marketing, Quality, and external equipment vendors to design, install, validate, and commission new manufacturing technologies and production systems. The position offers the opportunity to drive automation initiatives, capital equipment investments, and new product launches that directly impact manufacturing performance, while helping modernize processes and implement innovative technologies across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end capital equipment and automation projects, from concept through installation, validation, and commissioning, to support production operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging, Marketing, Quality, and external equipment vendors to define project requirements and deliver high-performing production systems.
• Design and specify new equipment and production systems, ensuring they meet performance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage capital project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk mitigation, and resource allocation.
• Drive manufacturing process improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead packaging equipment improvement projects, particularly in high-speed environments, to support new product launches and ongoing productivity gains.
• Troubleshoot machines and production equipment to resolve technical issues and optimize performance.
• Create, implement, and oversee validation protocols to ensure new equipment and processes meet regulatory and quality standards.
• Conduct equipment acceptance testing and commissioning activities to verify functionality, reliability, and compliance before handover to operations.
• Collaborate with robotics and automation system providers to integrate advanced technologies into existing and new production lines.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to identify process bottlenecks, reduce variability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to Operations and Executive Leadership, providing clear updates and recommendations.
• Coordinate vendor meetings and manage external partners to ensure timely delivery, installation, and support of capital equipment.
• Support the launch of new products by ensuring manufacturing and packaging systems are capable, robust, and aligned with product requirements.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, drawings, and specifications for equipment and process changes using CAD tools.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience leading capital equipment projects within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communication.
• Hands-on technical expertise in automation, packaging equipment, and manufacturing process optimization.
• CAD experience using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor for equipment and system design.
• Demonstrated ability to develop equipment design concepts and detailed specification documents.
• Experience in manufacturing process improvement, including analysis of production data and implementation of corrective actions.
• Proficiency in machine troubleshooting and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, or control issues.
• Experience developing and executing validation protocols for new equipment and processes in regulated settings.
• Ability to plan and conduct equipment acceptance testing to confirm performance and compliance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in consumer products manufacturing, including cosmetics, personal care, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical production.
• Experience with high-speed packaging equipment and related automation systems.
• Exposure to robotics or advanced automation technologies used in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies and tools to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma principles and practices to support data-driven process improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% onsite at a large manufacturing campus in Oxford, NC. The work environment is a fast-paced consumer products manufacturing setting that combines office-based engineering activities with frequent work on the production floor. The position involves a mix of office work, hands-on engineering tasks, production line observation, vendor meetings, and project execution in operational areas. You will regularly interact with manufacturing equipment, packaging lines, and automation systems while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Health & InsuranceMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceCompany-paid Basic Life InsuranceCompany-paid Short-Term Disability (up to 26 weeks)Long-Term Disability optionsSupplemental Life InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceIdentity Theft ProtectionGroup Legal PlanFinancial Benefits401(k) Retirement Savings PlanFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Potential eligibility for short-term incentive/bonus programs depending on roleTime Off3 weeks of vacation (prorated during the first year based on hire date)12 paid company holidays annuallyAdditional PerksCoverage available for employees and eligible family membersOpportunity to work for a globally recognized beauty and consumer products company with brands including Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Almay, American Crew, Mitchum, CND, and others

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.