Project Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer to support the execution of several major capital projects within a highly automated food manufacturing facility in Niles, IL. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role for an engineer who can step into projects already in progress, quickly understand the scope, and take ownership through installation, startup, commissioning, and handoff.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering/project engineering background, experience managing $1M+ capital projects, and the ability to coordinate contractors, vendors, plant personnel, and engineering teams in an active manufacturing environment. Food & beverage experience is highly preferred.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support capital project execution through installation, startup, commissioning, and final handoff.
• Manage contractors, vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional plant teams.
• Coordinate mechanical equipment installation while minimizing disruption to ongoing production.
• Review equipment layouts, AutoCAD drawings, specifications, and other engineering documentation.
• Track project schedules, budgets, milestones, contracts, and outstanding action items.
• Troubleshoot installation and startup issues and coordinate solutions with plant and vendor teams.
• Work closely with operations, R&D, maintenance, engineering, and programming/controls vendors.
• Support equipment testing, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Own day-to-day project details and follow-up to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Ensure projects remain on schedule while meeting safety, quality, and production requirements.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of Project Engineering experience, preferably within manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• Strong mechanical/project engineering background.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects exceeding $1M.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience with equipment installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Ability to review and understand AutoCAD drawings, equipment layouts, and engineering documentation.
• Experience working in an active manufacturing facility and coordinating installations around production.
• Strong communication, organization, troubleshooting, and project ownership skills.
• Food & beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Greenfield and/or brownfield project experience is a plus.

Manufacturing Environment

This is a high-volume, highly automated food manufacturing facility producing desserts, including icings and whipped toppings. The facility is food-grade, clean, and temperature-controlled, with some refrigerated/cold production areas.