Associate Project Implementation Engineer

Job Description: The Associate Project Implementation Engineer ensures that all start-ups are safe, deliver high-quality products, and fulfill business objectives through effective leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise. This role executes the commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) process for capital projects, ensuring safe, high-quality project delivery that meets business objectives and critical success factors (CSFs). What are we looking for? Minimum: 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing or associate’s degree in engineering or other technical field of study and 2 years of experience in a TPM/technical, manufacturing environment. Good communication, listening and influencing skills Comprehensive understanding of the CVS (Commissioning, Validation, & Start-up) process, lean thinking methodology, and their application to the site environment Demonstrate leadership skills and a strong ability to troubleshoot / problem solve Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds Must be able to work flexible hours and able to travel up to 25% Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering considered a plus What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities? Project Leadership: Integrate cross-functional teams to execute the CVS process for new products, equipment, and projects, from pre-engineering through project closure. Planning & Execution: Manage execution plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to support project milestones. Ensure materials and resources are in the right place at the right time. Problem Solving: Identify and address gaps using problem-solving methodologies; use data tracking to drive continuous improvement and operational effectiveness with cross-functional partners. Cross-functional Partner Engagement: Support clear communication between operations, supporting site functions, and engineering; communicate project plans, status, and milestones using storytelling and visualization. CVS Activities: Coordinate and drive execution planning meetings, de-risking workshops, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and cross-functional decision-making teams. Handover Strategy and Tracking: Lead the team through the Handover process ensuring relevant items are completed with supporting evidence. Support site audits as needed. Asset Readiness: Ensure asset-specific readiness, compliance with MSE Pillar design requirements, and that site processes and success criteria are in place at each milestone. Performance Metrics: Ensure projects deliver the committed benefits, CSFs, and targets specified in the project charter and/or equipment specifications by tracking progress against KPIs and milestones. Training Integration: Ensure Operations & Maintenance training plans are executed and identify any gaps proactively; ensure training plan is on track per execution plan agreements. Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle. Maintain a zero-waste mindset and ideate ways to reduce waste during execution. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive mutual accountability, identify resourcing gaps, and support other functions to achieve project milestones. Risk Management: Proactively communicate site needs and requirements, identifying risks that could impact products, people, or sites. Expand Beyond Projects: Depending on project workload, this role can support sites, R&D or engineering initiatives to drive value beyond projects. What can you expect from Mars? Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. #on-site #LI-MP1 Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.