Capital Projects Engineer - Food Manufacturing

Van Drunen Farms; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms is seeking a capital projects engineer in Illinois to drive planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance reporting. You will partner across Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance to deliver ROI-driven projects that enhance efficiency and safety.

Your role includes equipment evaluation, start-ups, and commissioning, with mentorship of interns and ongoing participation in continuous improvement initiatives. Strong communication and CAD skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of experience in a similar engineering role with capital project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, communication, project management, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects from planning through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, justification, and reporting.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance teams to develop project plans, ROI analyses, and project approvals.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment purchases while supporting facility modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Coordinate contractors, internal resources, and project activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Oversee equipment start-ups and facility commissioning activities in collaboration with Production leadership.
• Support engineering standards, project management processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of interns and team members.

Skills

Technical writing

Presentation

Communication

Project management

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Change management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Project

2D CAD

3D CAD

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Van Drunen Farms is seeking a capital projects engineer in Illinois to drive planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance reporting. You will partner across Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance to deliver ROI-driven projects that enhance efficiency and safety.

Your role includes equipment evaluation, start-ups, and commissioning, with mentorship of interns and ongoing participation in continuous improvement initiatives. Strong communication and CAD skills are essential.