Food Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Job Number #175356 - Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values-Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous-we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis and must not require the Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.
At Hill's we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you're interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that's a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.
Summary:
As a Plant Project Engineer at Hill's Pet Nutrition, you will play a central role in driving technical excellence by leading facility capital projects from initial concept through successful implementation. Reporting to the Manager of Engineering, you will oversee project scope, budget management, timeline execution, and technical risk assessments to optimize plant asset utilization. This high-impact position offers the opportunity to partner cross-functionally across our manufacturing operations, delivering innovative engineering solutions that support our mission.
Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute end-to-end engineering capital projects on time and within budget limitations, ensuring full compliance with technical designs, safety guidelines, and company objectives.
• Develop complete project documentation, including scope justification, cost estimates, ROI savings analysis, vendor selections, and project timelines.
• Provide functional and technical troubleshooting support to plant floor operations and maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime and optimize production equipment.
• Guide external contractors, equipment suppliers, and cross-functional teams during equipment installation, testing, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Verification (CQV) phases.
• Drive continuous operational excellence by utilizing Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) tools, statistical process controls, and corporate EOHS/Quality standards to eliminate process waste.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, focused on project management from concept to completion.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment, including navigating equipment at heights, supporting 24/7 continuous operations, and working irregular shifts or being on-call as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior engineering experience in food processing, pet food manufacturing, or CPG operations.
• Hands-on technical experience with packaging equipment automation controls, robotics, or vision systems.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Technical proficiency in extrusion equipment, packaging technology, bulk material handling, and regulatory agency standards (FDA, USDA, AIB).
• Experience driving innovation, leading operational change, and establishing cross-organizational collaboration

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $86,000.00 - $121,000.00 USD
Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people-developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.
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