Capital Project Engineer – Food Manufacturing

iLocatum

Mason City (IA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 140,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $120K–$140K plus bonus

Relocation available for the right candidate

Private equity-backed company with growth opportunities

Direct access to decision-makers

Job summary

A fast-growing food manufacturing company in Mason City, IA is seeking a Capital Project Engineer. This hands-on role involves leading upgrades and managing contractors while ensuring long-term capital investment strategies align with operations. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience along with 7+ years in capital project management, ideally in food or related industries. The position offers competitive salary and relocation options.

Qualifications

7+ years of experience running capital projects in a relevant industry.
Experience coordinating large construction installs in food-grade environments.
Strong track record of managing contractors and staying on budget.

Responsibilities

Lead facility and equipment upgrades.
Manage construction vendors and timelines.
Create CAD drawings and engineering documentation.

Skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

CAD proficiency

Budget management

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

CAD

Job description

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Location: Mason City, IA

Schedule: On-site | Monday through Friday

Looking to lead capital improvements inside a fast-moving food plant? This role puts you right in the middle of it all, driving project execution, working closely with operations, and helping shape the future layout, automation, and infrastructure of a food facility.

This isn’t a behind-the-desk engineering role. You’ll be out on the floor, solving problems, coordinating construction, and managing contractors while also working with leadership to plan long-term capital investment strategies that stick.

Responsibilities

Lead facility and equipment upgrades, including packaging lines, automation, refrigeration and warehousing
Handle full-cycle project execution, including design, budgeting, procurement, and implementation
Manage construction vendors, timelines, and all contractor activity across active project sites
Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and purchasing to align project priorities
Own capital budgets keep a tight handle on cost control and documentation
Create CAD drawings and engineering documentation for new installs and layout changes
Help design and implement systems for mixing, pumping, conveying, and filling across RTE lines
Identify infrastructure needs that support long-term plant efficiency and food safety
Train internal teams on new equipment and support preventive maintenance schedules

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering or similar technical Engineering discipline is required or an equivalent of 10+ years of capital project management experience
7+ years of experience running capital projects in a food, chemical, packaging, consumer goods or closely related industry
Proficiency in CAD and hands-on project design and planning
Experience coordinating large construction and equipment installs in food-grade environments
Strong track record of managing contractors and staying on budget
Clear communicator who can operate across departments and see the big picture
Working knowledge of FDA regulations and plant safety standards

Perks:

Salary range: $120K–$140K plus bonus
Relocation available for the right candidate
Private equity-backed company with a multi-year investment plan in facility growth and automation
Be part of a stable, established operation that’s upgrading systems without the chaos
Direct access to decision-makers and a clear lane to get projects done

Seniority level