Junior Developer Operations Engineer Jobs in Tupelo, MS

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K&K is seeking a hands-on Project Engineer to support paint booth modification and construction projects within a manufacturing environment. This role will focus on planning, managing, and executing capital improvement projects involving paint booth structures, airflow systems, environmental controls, and facility infrastructure.

The ideal candidate combines practical trade experience with engineering and project management expertise, capable of overseeing contractors, coordinating installations, and driving projects from concept through completion. This position is highly execution-focused and requires significant field presence supporting construction activities within active manufacturing operations.

Location: TMMMS – Onsite (Monday–Friday)

Overtime: Approximately 20%, including weekends and plant shutdowns

Travel: Up to 10% domestically and internationally (Canada, Mexico, suppliers, and Toyota manufacturing facilities)

Interview Process: One 60-minute Microsoft Teams interview

• Investigate project feasibility, scope, schedule, budget, and resource requirements.

• Develop project scopes of work, bid packages, technical specifications, and contractor requirements.

• Manage paint booth modification and construction projects from planning through completion.

• Coordinate project activities to ensure safety, quality, budget, and schedule objectives are achieved.

• Develop countermeasures and recovery plans to address project delays and execution challenges.

• Execute and manage paint booth modification projects, including structural improvements and airflow enhancements.

• Support installation and modification of sheet metal systems, large structural components, and facility infrastructure.

• Coordinate equipment installation and construction activities within active manufacturing environments.

• Assist with utility, environmental, and process-related modifications supporting paint operations.

• Review technical drawings, specifications, and contractor submittals.

• Provide feedback on design changes and recommend technical improvements.

• Modify and review drawings utilizing AutoCAD.

• Support bid evaluations, contractor negotiations, and project procurement activities.

• Collaborate with engineers, equipment manufacturers, skilled trades, and affiliate companies to achieve project milestones.

• Supervise contractors performing work in both greenfield and brownfield environments.

• Coordinate installation activities with maintenance, operations, engineering, and construction teams.

• Monitor contractor performance, schedule adherence, quality, and safety compliance.

• Support construction planning for weekends, shutdowns, and production downtime activities.

• Ensure projects comply with local, state, and national safety regulations and codes.

• Collaborate with third-party safety compliance consultants and contractors.

• Promote safe work practices and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Participate in project risk assessments and safety reviews.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline), Technical Trade Certification, or equivalent experience.

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

• 3+ years of project management experience.

• Experience managing capital projects, preferably valued at $500,000 or greater.

• Strong hands-on engineering and field execution background.

• Commercial or industrial construction experience.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• AutoCAD experience including drawing review and modification.

• Experience developing bid specifications and negotiating with contractors.

• 2+ years of technical drawing review experience.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.

• Toyota project management experience.

• Automotive paint process experience.

• Paint booth or controlled environment experience.

• Experience with airflow systems, ventilation systems, and environmental controls.

• Sheet metal trade experience.

• Familiarity with utility cost calculations and facility operating expenses.

• Experience working within active manufacturing or production environments.