Engineering Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

This position is under direct management of the Engineering Projects Manager. The Project Engineer will assist with managing CW’s Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Projects as well as other relevant project initiatives that need Engineering support. Project Engineers will act as liaisons between a project’s design phase and implementation, ensuring all technical specifications are met and all project requirements are adhered to. These projects often involve new production lines or facility modifications, and the Project Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring these projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.

Responsibilities of the Position:

• Provide initial project development including concept, design, layouts, cost estimating, cost justification, research and selection of the best equipment, and project submittals with timelines and contingencies
• Manage capital expenditure projects: develop scope, budget and timing for each project, review the needs of the projects with the users, fine-tune project budget based on preliminary engineering work
• Create general project schedule, line layout using AutoCAD, project Gantt Charts, and coordinate installation activities with internal Facilities, Maintenance and Operational Teams
• Search and qualify potential vendors for equipment and installation, select from potential vendors utilizing competitive bidding processes
• Submit requests for purchase orders, requisitions and contracts for all project commitments and manage vendor relationships
• Travel to vendor sites to participate in Factory Acceptance Testing and validations
• Manage outside vendors and contractors and ensure resources remain on schedule, the work is being performed per site safety procedures, and the requirements of the purchase orders and contracts are being met
• Manage and direct the installation of new equipment throughout commissioning and line startup. Once equipment is stable, ensure a smooth handoff to Maintenance & Production teams
• Provide high-level project updates to management teams
• Work with the Process and Reliability Engineer to identify investment opportunities that have a strong business case & ROI and that improve our operations thru: reducing scrap, increasing output, reducing downtime, reducing labor and improving quality
• Assist the Sales Technical Expert to assist with the estimation of Capital for new Opportunities
• Assist CapEx Request Sponsors thru the CapEx Gate Process to ensure that requests have a strong Business Case & ROI (where applicable) and that a Post-Project Review is coordinated (when applicable)
• Maintain facility Air & Electrical Capacities and Demand-Monitoring
• Maintain and update all facility layouts in AutoCAD
• Work closely with the Safety Manager to ensure new and existing equipment complies with cw safety standards
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent MS Office proficiency
• Strong project management and process optimization skills
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD or a similar 2D CAD program
• Ability to work in a multi-functional team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to technical and non-technical persons
• Demonstrated leadership capability, ability to influence others and professional maturity
• Ability to exercise good judgement in high pressure, sensitive situations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze project risks effectively and implement resolutions
• Strong time management skills required
• Must be self-motivated with high degree of initiative

Food Safety Responsibilities:

• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
• Participate in company GMP walks
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent in the Engineering / Technology Field from an accredited College or University
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly within the Food Industry is preferred
• Knowledge and experience with plant operations, packaging and processing equipment
• Experience in successful project management of Capital Expenditure Projects

Working Conditions:

• Office setting and warehouse environment with temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees

Physical Requirements:

• Operate standard office equipment
• Reach with hands and arms
• Lift up to 25 pounds