Industrial Engineer

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking an Industrial Engineer in Chicago, IL to lead strategic manufacturing and sourcing initiatives across our production networks. You will drive capacity modeling, capital projects, and cost-reduction efforts with cross-functional partners to ensure timely, high-impact imple mentation of improvements.

The role emphasizes hands-on optimization, network design, and collaboration with R&D, Finance, and Operations to sustain peak service levels and long-term brand strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, or related) or Supply Chain / Operations Research.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply chain strategy, or corporate operations.
• Proven experience conducting financial appraisals (e.g., make-vs-buy analysis, COGS modeling, or cost-reduction initiatives).
• Experience supporting capital investment projects or working within structured capital management frameworks.
• Strong capability in data-driven capacity modeling, bottleneck analysis, and equipment throughput evaluation.
• Demonstrated success working cross-functional with teams like R&D, Finance, Commercial, and local plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities: Innovation Management: Lead supply-side initiatives from early design to manufacturing execution, developing viable network and sourcing solutions.
• Champion Supply Chain interests in the cross-functional Quest stage-gate process to ensure flawless product launches.
• Capital Management: Author and secure alignment for capital projects (MPARs), guiding them through early-stage feasibility and scoping.
• Shape long-term site Master Planning to align physical manufacturing capabilities with multi-year brand strategies.
• Supply Strategy & Financial Optimization: Drive 5-year capacity modeling and network utilization strategies to secure supply and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Build supply resiliency through make-vs-buy financial appraisals and robust business continuity planning.
• Partner with Finance and Commercial to model financial impacts, execute cost-reduction (COGS) initiatives, and optimize inventory.
• Manage the manufacturing capability registry to accelerate scale-up and new product launches.
• Liaison between manufacturing sites and End-to-End Planning teams to accelerate issue resolution and maintain peak service levels.

Skills

Capacity modeling

Bottleneck analysis

Throughput evaluation

Cross-functional collaboration

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering)

MBA / Engineering Management / Supply Chain

Job description

Job Description:

Industrial Engineer

Chicago, IL

Join Mars Snacking as a Segment Industrial Engineer (IE) and lead strategic manufacturing and sourcing solutions that power our global brand. Collaborating with the Segment IE Associate Director, you will analyze supply strategies, optimize our product innovation pipeline, and identify cost-saving opportunities. This role is highly hands‑on and actionable, giving you the platform to drive continuous improvement and ensure the successful, timely implementation of initiatives across our diverse production lines and plants.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, or related field) or Supply Chain / Operations Research.
• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply chain strategy, or corporate operations.
• Proven experience conducting financial appraisals (e.g., make-vs-buy analysis, Cost of Goods Sold [COGS] modeling, or cost-reduction initiatives).
• Experience supporting capital investment projects or working within structured capital management frameworks.
• Strong capability in data-driven capacity modeling, bottleneck analysis, and equipment throughput evaluation.
• Demonstrated success working cross‑functionally with teams like R&D, Finance, Commercial, and local plant operations.

Preferred:

• Experience in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), Food & Beverage, or Packaging industries.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, or Supply Chain.
• Familiarity with structured product development launch processes (e.g., Quest, Stage-Gate, or equivalent).
• Experience with advanced capacity planning tools, network optimization software, or long-term (5-year) strategic modeling.
• Experience developing business continuity/risk-mitigation plans and driving continuous improvement in a matrixed corporate environment

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsibilities: Innovation Management
  • Lead supply‑side initiatives from early design to manufacturing execution, developing viable network and sourcing solutions.
  • Champion Supply Chain interests in the cross‑functional Quest stage‑gate process to ensure flawless product launches.
• Capital Management
  • Author and secure alignment for capital projects (MPARs), guiding them through early‑stage feasibility and scoping.
  • Shape long‑term site Master Planning to align physical manufacturing capabilities with multi‑year brand strategies.
• Supply Strategy & Financial Optimization
  • Drive 5‑year capacity modeling and network utilization strategies to secure supply and eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Build supply resiliency through make‑vs‑buy financial appraisals and robust business continuity planning.
  • Partner with Finance and Commercial to model financial impacts, execute cost‑reduction (COGS) initiatives, and optimize inventory.
  • Manage the manufacturing capability registry to accelerate scale‑up and new product launches.
  • Liaison between manufacturing sites and End‑to‑End Planning teams to accelerate issue resolution and maintain peak service levels.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Pay & Benefits

• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.
• Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
• The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00