We are the original cheese revolutionaries, leading the charge in plant-based. We seamlessly blend tradition with innovation to change the change the landscape of plant-based and the way people eat. We are accountable, passionate, curious and purposeful. We celebrate diversity, compassion, and mutual trust for one another.
SUMMARY
The Project Engineer plays a key role in driving capital projects, equipment installations, and process improvements that bring Daiya’s innovative products to life. Reporting directly to the Engineering Project Manager, this role will lead the design, development, and optimization of production-scale processes, support new product launches, and champion continuous improvement across our facilities. You’ll have a hand in sourcing and modifying equipment, trialing new technologies, manufacturing samples, and ensuring every project aligns with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
This is a one-year contract role, ideal for an engineer eager to make a measurable impact on key projects within a defined timeline.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Execution & Continuous improvement
- Support the Engineering Project Manager to plan, schedule, and deliver projects on time, on scope, and within budget.
- Develop equipment layouts, technical specifications, RFQs, and bid evaluations to support project execution.
- Drive process optimization, efficiency gains, and cost-saving initiatives across operations.
Engineering & Technical Support
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams such Production, QA, Maintenance and Operations to define and deliver project requirements.
- Provide hands-on technical expertise during equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up.
- Troubleshoot and resolve process, packaging, and utility system challenges to keep projects on track.
Contractor & Vendor Coordination
- Build strong partnerships with vendors, contractors, and equipment suppliers throughout project design and installation.
- Ensure all partners uphold site safety protocols and GMP compliance.
Compliance & Documentation
- Guarantee that all projects meet food safety, health & safety, and environmental regulations.
- Develop and maintain accurate documentation including drawings, manuals, SOPs, and validation records.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering or a related field.
- 3+ years of engineering experience in food manufacturing, beverage, or related industries, or a strong combination of education and applied experience.
- Proven track record in project execution, equipment installation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Robust background in manufacturing or food processing with working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.
- Familiarity with PLCs, automation systems, and utilities is an asset.
RELATED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management skills to juggle multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, able to clearly define expectations and foster respectful collaboration.
- Strong listening and interpersonal skills, creating space for all voices to be heard.
- Ability to influence, inspire, and align teams toward common goals and high performance.
- Proactive in delegation, progress monitoring, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
- Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and staying ahead of evolving technologies.
DAIYA’S CORE COMPETENCIES
- Emotional Intelligence: You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
- Growth Mindset: Seeking smarter, more efficient ways to design, build, and improve processes while learning from every project challenge.
- Effective Communication: Translating complex engineering details into clear, actionable information for cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Collaboration: Building strong working relationships with production, QA, maintenance, vendors, and contractors to deliver seamless project execution.
- Driving Results: Taking ownership of project timelines, budgets, and outcomes while ensuring safety, compliance, and quality at every step.
- Service Excellence: Committing to continuous improvement, lean principles, and service-oriented support to enhance plant performance and reliability.
COMPESATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
Daiya’s compensation offerings are based on a pay-for-performance philosophy. The pay range for this position is from $80,000 – 100,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. This is a one-year contract role, ideal for an engineer eager to make a measurable impact on key projects within a defined timeline.
At Daiya, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe in building a flexible, hybrid model to make work-life harmony a reality. We strive to build diverse and high performing teams and empower continuous learning to grow and improve ourselves.
- Competitive compensation
- Extended health benefits
- 3 weeks’ vacation
- Flex days
- Flexible spending account
- Fun and creative environment
- On-site fitness studio
- On-site practitioners
- Inspiring and innovative work
- Smart and passionate teams
- Making people and the planet a healthier place
At Daiya Foods, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, one in which employees can bring their whole selves to work everyday. We welcome and celebrate differences because we believe a multitude of perspectives fosters innovation and will help us achieve our vision.
Daiya Foods humbly acknowledges that the land on which we work, live, and play is the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations. This connection to the land is not only a source of inspiration but also a guiding force in our journey towards greater environmental stewardship and community engagement.
