Principal Project Engineer - Wastewater - Remote

Summary

This role is responsible for defining project scope, developing project budget, management of design, construction & start-up of wastewater treatment plants at the new Chobani greenfield site in Rome, NY as well as other Chobani sites.  The successful candidate will have a high degree of project management skills, responsibility, highly effective communication skills, leadership, decision making ability and self-sufficiency.  This role requires prior experience in managing large Capital projects for design and construction of wastewater treatment plants with a preference for experience in dairy manufacturing.  Principal Project Engineer is a comparable grade level to Director of Project Engineering, however is an individual contributor role and does not have any direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Define the scope of the project in collaboration with senior management, end users, and key stakeholders.
• Create work breakdown structures, capital expenditure requests, manage budgets, forecasts and facilitate asset creation. 
• Create and execute a detailed work plan which identifies the sequence of activities needed to successfully complete the project.
• Select and manage the resources required to complete the project. Contract qualified consultants as appropriate.
• Define the objectives and measures upon which the project will be evaluated at its completion.
• Ensure that all project personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the project.
• Perform proper change management practices in accordance to the Project Control Plan.
• Follow Chobani’s project management structure and use the appropriate forms to document project activities.
• Monitor the progress of the project and adjust as necessary to ensure project performance and earned value meets project baseline plan.
• Review the project schedule frequently with senior management and other stakeholders impacted by the project activities; update schedule as required.
• Initiate, manage, and receive all budgeted project expenditures.
• Manage cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and any variances to senior management on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly).
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.
• Oversee the project closure process including asset cost allocation, outline nonvalue added activities, and asset disposals.
• Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Available to work off hours and weekends as needed and required to complete projects.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently.
• On average of up to 3 weeks travel per month to Chobani sites.
   

Requirements

• Engineering Bachelor of Science degree
• 8-10 years of Capital Project Engineering experience in the food and beverage industry, dairy is preferred.
• Experience with design, construction and operation of Dairy Manufacturing Site Wastewater Pre-Treatment Plants.   
• PMP certification preferred.
• Pro-active, personal drive, decisiveness, commercial/business acumen, excellent communication and teamwork skills, organizational competency, and the ability to prioritize.
• Inventory management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Positive attitude, high energy, flexibility, and personal initiative.
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain professional demeanor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Serve as back-up in the absence of other Project Engineers.

About Us 

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals.

  
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani