Lead Packaging & Process Project Engineer

PepsiCo; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program (12% of annual salary)

Paid time off

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

PepsiCo Supply Chain is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to lead engineering efforts in packaging, processing, milling and material handling. You will design and oversee mechanical systems, evaluate feasibility, and ensure safety and GMP compliance across food manufacturing facilities.

The role requires 5+ years in project management and 5–7 years in mechanical design, with travel 5–10%. Join a team driving lean manufacturing, safety, and cost management in a global brand

Qualifications

• B.S. Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent.
• 5 years of Project Management experience.
• 5 to 7 years of mechanical engineering design experience.
• Experience with design, maintainability, and operation of dust collection systems, pneumatic conveying, grain milling and bulk material handling.
• Strong understanding of plant facilities such as roofing, air compressors, sprinkler systems, natural gas, and steam.
• Experience with packaging and processing equipment including mixing, scaling, primary packaging, secondary packaging, case packing, conveying, palletizing, metal detection, check weighing.
• Knowledge of Combustible Food Ingredients (CFI) risk mediation and reduction and general Dust Risk Mitigation (DRM) hazard analysis and mediation.
• Familiar with GMP, Quality, Food Safety, and Sanitation principles.
• Understanding of applying Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) considerations into design and execution of projects.
• Familiar with basics of finance, product cost accounting, statistical process control, and Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM).
• Fundamental background with PLCs and process controls.
• Familiar with principles of building and utilities technologies.
• Familiar with the application of operation and maintenance principles in all work assignments.
• Travel 5-10%.
• The position will be filled at L7, L8 or L9 depending on the candidates’ current level within the SCL Career Model.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned projects through concept, design, installation, commissioning and qualification.
• Develop cost, lead-time, and downtime estimates for projects.
• Prepare project approval documentation with cost, cash flow and justification.
• Manage and control project costs to stay within budget.
• Supervise plant labor, contractors, and service personnel for project completion.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to the plant.
• Ensure maintenance and operator training for new equipment is implemented.
• Lead safety-focused project work with proper permits and OSHA standards.

Skills

Leadership

People skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

B.S. Engineering (Mechanical)

Tools

PLCs

Process controls

Job description

PepsiCo Supply Chain is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to lead engineering efforts in packaging, processing, milling and material handling. You will design and oversee mechanical systems, evaluate feasibility, and ensure safety and GMP compliance across food manufacturing facilities.

The role requires 5+ years in project management and 5–7 years in mechanical design, with travel 5–10%. Join a team driving lean manufacturing, safety, and cost management in a global brand