Project Engineer

Van Drunen Farms; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Drunen Family of Companies in Momence, IL is seeking a manufacturing-focused engineer to lead capital projects across our facilities. You will drive scope, budgets, scheduling, and ROI analyses while coordinating with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance teams to secure approvals.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 2+ years of capital project management in manufacturing, plus strong skills in Excel, MS Project, CAD, and related tools.

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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Project, and 2D/3D CAD software.

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

Capital project management

Manufacturing experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

CAD (2D/3D)

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

• Location: This role is located in Momence, IL.
• Expected Pay Range: $90K-$120K, exempt

Who We Are

At Van Drunen Farms, we’re not just providing ingredients; we’re providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we’re striving to build a values‑aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

What You’ll Bring

• 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Project, and 2D/3D CAD software.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, collaboration, mentoring, and change management skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What You Can Look Forward To

• An opportunity to lead impactful capital projects across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Hands‑on involvement in equipment selection, facility improvements, process optimization, and production start‑ups.
• Opportunities to mentor engineering interns and contribute to the development of engineering standards and best practices.
• A dynamic environment that encourages curiosity, learning, leadership, and professional growth.
• Physical requirements that include standing, sitting, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and the ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

• The statements provided are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position.
• They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required.
• Responsibilities and job requirements may change based on business needs.
• Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as required.

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family‑friendly, values‑driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company’s achievement as well.

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Van Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position‑specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran