Chemical Process Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Are you an engineer who enjoys managing complex projects from concept through installation? Do you thrive in a role that combines technical expertise, customer interaction, project management, and cross-functional collaboration?

Cozzini, LLC is seeking a Project Engineer to lead custom protein processing equipment and integrated food processing system projects from order entry through successful customer acceptance. As a leading manufacturer of capital equipment for the protein industry, Cozzini designs, builds, and installs processing solutions that help food manufacturers improve efficiency, product quality, food safety, and productivity.

This high-impact role serves as the primary coordinator between customers, Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer expectations. If you enjoy managing technical projects and seeing innovative food processing systems come to life, we'd like to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead custom equipment and system projects from quotation handoff through fabrication, installation, commissioning, and final project closeout.
• Define project scope, develop equipment layouts, establish schedules, and coordinate manufacturing plans for complex food processing and protein processing systems.
• Serve as the primary communication link between Sales, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Field Service.
• Ensure stakeholders remain aligned on project requirements, timelines, deliverables, and customer expectations.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Source and coordinate critical purchased components and vendor-supplied equipment.
• Manage customer drawing reviews and approvals before production release.
• Coordinate equipment testing, inspections, and quality assurance activities.
• Partner with Field Service teams to support installation, startup, and commissioning activities at customer facilities.
• Address technical and project-related issues proactively to maintain schedules and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to improve project execution processes, communication, and overall project performance.
• Support standardization initiatives and best practices across engineering and manufacturing operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• Solid experience managing engineering projects in a fast-paced manufacturing or capital equipment environment.
• Outstanding communication skills—you can talk strategy with sales, tolerances with design, and timelines with customers.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Plan

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. 

• Experience with food processing systems, protein processing equipment, or capital equipment manufacturing environments a major plus
• 3 to 5 years of experience in Project Engineering, Applications Engineering, Sales Engineering, or capital equipment manufacturing
• Experience managing custom equipment or industrial system projects from design through installation
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, and technical specifications
• Strong project management, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, budgets, and priorities simultaneously
• Experience coordinating efforts across Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Customer-facing teams
• Willingness to travel as needed to support customer meetings, site visits, equipment installations, and project commissioning