About Us: The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a dairy farmer-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor. As the 10th largest dairy cooperative in the U.S., we proudly serve dairy farmers across Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. With a workforce of around 625 employees spread across four states, MMPA is deeply rooted in the dairy industry. We operate multiple facilities, including the Middlebury Cheese Company in Indiana, Superior Dairy in Ohio, and two SQF Level 3 dairy ingredient plants in Michigan. Our product lineup includes fluid milk, cheese, ultra-filtered milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream, and condensed skim milk.
Why You’ll Love Working Here: At MMPA, we believe in investing in our people and fostering an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll enjoy working with us:
- Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary to attract the best talent.
- Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health services to support your well-being.
- Disability Insurance: Protection for you in case of illness or injury.
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy a generous PTO package to maintain work-life balance.
- Retirement Benefits: Secure your future with 401k contributions from us.
- Growth Opportunities: We are committed to your personal and professional development.
- Employee Appreciation: We regularly host events to show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.
- Wellness Initiatives: Participate in wellness programs designed to help you stay healthy and engaged.
- Employee Feedback: Your voice matters, and we offer forums for your suggestions and input.
Job Overview: We are seeking a dynamic Project Engineer to spearhead critical plant expansions, automation, and capital projects from inception to completion. This role is pivotal in managing complex mechanical, electrical, and automation systems within our manufacturing operations, ensuring seamless execution of projects while aligning with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a proven track record in cradle-to-grave project management in industrial settings, preferably within the dairy or food processing industry. This is not an IT-focused role but requires a deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering principles to drive operational excellence. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, dedicated, and ready to contribute to the continued success and growth of MMPA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Management: Plan, schedule, coordinate, document, and validate engineering projects, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery of plant expansions, automation upgrades, and capital projects.
- Process Optimization: Provide engineering support for manufacturing processes, including receiving fluid milk, separation, blending, batching, culture manufacture, pasteurization, evaporators, dryers, RO, CIP, packaging, and product storage systems. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximize operational efficiency.
- Data Analysis: Utilize systems to analyze data, identify trends, and make actionable recommendations to improve process reliability and efficiency.
- Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, maintenance, quality, and plant teams to resolve process issues, optimize equipment performance, and support operational needs. Communicate effectively with internal and external project engineers during installations and process changes.
- Training & Documentation: Train plant personnel on new or modified systems, ensuring proper adoption. Document all system changes and maintain accurate records for compliance and traceability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with PMO, FDA, MIOSHA, IOSHA, OSHA, Sanitary Design principals, and company SOPs, with a focus on safety, quality, and environmental standards.
- Environmental Stewardship: Proactively support environmental programs, such as recycling, power conservation, and waste reduction, to align with the company’s environmental mission.
- Safety Leadership: Champion workplace safety by adhering to and enforcing company safety practices, proactively addressing hazards, and fostering a culture of safety accountability.
What We’re Looking For:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field. Equivalent experience in industrial project engineering will be considered.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of technical experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in dairy or food processing.
- Demonstrated success in managing capital projects from cradle to grave, including plant expansions and automation initiatives.
- Hands-on experience with Allen Bradley controls (SLCs, CompactLogix, ControlLogix PLCs) and associated I/O and communications equipment.
- Previous leadership experience in guiding project teams or mentoring staff. (Preferred)
Technical Skills:
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and process drawings for troubleshooting and project execution.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and AutoCAD for project documentation and design.
Soft Skills:
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills to collaborate across departments and train personnel.
- Strong time management and prioritization abilities to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic work setting with evolving priorities.
- Team-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments, including areas with high noise, machinery, and chemicals.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions (e.g., computer use).
- Willingness to navigate plant facilities for troubleshooting and project oversight.
Why Join Us: At MMPA, you’ll be joining a company with a strong legacy in the dairy industry, and a forward-thinking culture that values growth, wellness, and teamwork. We’re excited to welcome a passionate individual to our team who is eager to contribute to our success while growing their own career. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and work with a dynamic group of people, we want to hear from you!
How to Apply: Ready to join our team, Apply today!! We look forward to hearing from you!
We are a drug-free facility, and maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment is a top priority. As part of our commitment to your well-being, all applicants will undergo a drug screening as part of the hiring process.
MMPA is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.
Please Note: We are not accepting unsolicited resumes or inquiries from third-party recruiters at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
