Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Chesapeake, VA

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Lead the delivery of complex capital projects that strengthen and expand Perdue AgriBusiness operations. As a Senior Engineering Project Manager, you will guide large scale engineering initiatives across grain handling, oilseed processing, refining, feed, and value-added facilities, managing projects from concept and capital approval through construction, commissioning, and final closeout. In this role, you will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Environmental, Safety, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and external contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with operational and financial goals. This position is ideal for a strategic, results driven leader who excels at managing complex projects, collaborating across teams, and delivering high impact infrastructure that supports long term operational success.

The salary range for this position is $114,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

#LI-AF1

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary capital projects in support of capacity expansion, modernization, safety, reliability, and cost reduction initiatives across PAB facilities.
• Develop, maintain, and execute Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Project Management Plans (PMPs), schedules, and budgets in accordance with Perdue capital governance requirements.
• Serve as the primary owner of project outcomes, from feasibility and basis of design through commissioning, maintenance spare parts, and operational handoff.
• Establish and manage approved capital budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Maintain accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead formal change control processes, including scope, cost, and schedule impacts, ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect safety, cost, schedule, and operational performance.
• Coordinate engineering design development, reviews, and approvals to ensure constructability, operability, and compliance with Perdue standards.
• Collaborate with plant operations and maintenance teams to ensure designs support long term reliability and safe operation.
• Oversee construction, installation, and commissioning activities to ensure assets are delivered by design intent and operational requirements.
• Champion Perdue’s safety culture by enforcing safe work practices, contractor safety expectations, and site-specific safety plans.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permitting, regulatory requirements, food safety considerations, and internal corporate policies.
• Coordinate with Environmental, Safety, and Quality teams throughout project planning and execution.
• Lead bid package development, contractor selection, and vendor evaluations in partnership with Purchasing and Legal.
• Manage contractor performance related to safety, quality, schedule, and cost.
• Ensure proper contract administration, invoice review, lien releases, and closeout documentation.
• Serve as the primary interface between plant leadership, corporate stakeholders, and external partners.
• Provide regular project updates, forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or related discipline).
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience managing capital or engineering projects in industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, or food processing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading multimillion dollar capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of project controls, budgeting, scheduling, change management, and contractor oversight.
• Proven ability to lead cross functional teams and work effectively in plant environments.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience in grain, oilseed, feed, refining, or bulk material handling operations.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting, safety regulations, and regulatory compliance in manufacturing settings.
• Experience with project management, financial, and reporting tools (e.g., MS Project, Power BI, ERP systems).

#LI-AF1

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Ability to move freely throughout Agribusiness facilities, including climbing vertical heights (0–150'), carrying tools and equipment (0–100 lbs.), and exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, and chemicals.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Required to travel to remote facilities, vendor sites, and customer locations.
• Ability to use standard office equipment.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.