Sr Project Engineer in Addison

Sr. Project Engineer – Food Manufacturing

Location: Addison, IL

Compensation: $110,000–$140,000 plus bonus potential

• Manage capital projects ranging from $300K to $10M across equipment, facilities, and full production line builds
• Own projects from start to finish including commercialization collaboration, design, installation, and handoff
• Work in a transparent, cross‑functional environment that is less siloed than most manufacturing organizations
• Regular interaction with C‑level leadership and visibility across the entire business
• Clear path to grow within engineering or transition into broader operations and production roles
• Join an established food manufacturer with a strong product portfolio and continued investment in infrastructure
• Competitive compensation with 10% bonus potential
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• 401K with generous matching and immediate vesting
• Paid vacation, holidays, and a strong employee assistance program

This is a full lifecycle capital project engineering role at a multi‑facility food manufacturing operation. You will take projects from concept and budget development all the way through vendor selection, installation supervision, employee training, and final handoff. Projects vary significantly in scope, from single equipment replacements to complete greenfield production line builds, so the ability to manage multiple projects at different stages simultaneously is essential.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, commercialization, and supply chain. You will work closely with production supervisors, outside fabrication shops, controls engineers, purchasing, and marketing to ensure every project lands on time, on budget, and to spec. The environment here is collaborative and fast‑moving, and the expectation is that you can hit the ground running with minimal coaching.

If you enjoy variety, cross‑functional engagement, and seeing your projects go from drawings to live production, this role will keep you fully engaged.

• Lead capital projects from concept through implementation and operational handoff across food manufacturing facilities
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and cost tracking for both expense and capital initiatives
• Prepare layout drawings and equipment designs using AutoCAD and 3D modeling tools
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment and systems for specific production applications
• Coordinate with vendors, fabrication shops, controls engineers, and internal production teams throughout project execution
• Collaborate with commercialization, marketing, and supply chain teams to align project scope with business objectives
• Gather and document all project requirements including dimensions, pricing, electrical and pneumatic needs, and equipment capabilities
• Supervise equipment installations and ensure work is completed to specification and safety standards
• Train production staff on new processes, equipment, and procedures following project completion
• Modify and maintain engineering drawings based on field notes, sketches, and as‑built conditions
• Support GMP compliance and food safety requirements throughout all project phases

• BS in Engineering is required; prefer mechanical, industrial, or electrical
• 4+ years of experience in a capital project engineering, or project management role within a food manufacturing organization
• Must have experience with engineering food, beverage or CPG experience
• AutoCAD proficiency required; 3D modeling experience such as Autodesk Inventor strongly
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across varying scopes and budgets
• Experience managing projects from start to finish with a budget of 300K to $10 million
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets and tracking spend
  
  Excellent communication skills and comfortable presenting to and working alongside senior leadership
• Outgoing, self‑directed, and able to take initiative without waiting for direction
• Familiarity with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic knowledge of GMP and food plant operations