Project Engineer

Mars Incorporated; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Learning & development

Job summary

Mars Incorporated in Fremont, CA is seeking a Project Engineer to lead and execute site engineering projects, ensuring adherence to Mars Standards for Safety, Asset Conservation and Quality & Food Safety. This role requires advanced project management skills and strong technical leadership to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in full regulatory compliance.

You will work cross-functionally with operations, R&D and external partners, manage scopes, budgets and schedules, and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years' experience in project engineering and capital project management.
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality, and food safety principles in manufacturing.
• Excellent project management credentials with cross-functional leadership.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% in North America.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety leadership and train contractors and stakeholders.
• Ensure projects comply with Mars HSE, Asset Conservation, and quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation for engineering works.
• Lead safety reviews and toolbox talks for project teams.
• Manage budgets, timelines, vendors, and procurement for projects.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Safety & regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's preferred

Job description

Job Description:

Project Engineer

Our Project Engineer is responsible for leading and executing engineering projects at the site, ensuring adherence to Mars Standards for Safety, Asset Conservation and Quality & Food Safety.

This role requires advanced project management skills and the ability to provide strong technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Regulatory and Mars Standards.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum 2-5 years' experience in project engineering and capital project management, preferably in food manufacturing, pharmaceutical or FMCG
• Strong foundational understanding of safety, quality and food safety principles and standards, regulatory compliance and HSE and Q&FS systems within manufacturing operations
• Exceptionally strong project management credentials, with experience leading cross-functional teams
• Experience with budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in complex and/or ambiguous business environments
• History of building internal and external relationships and interaction with management at all levels
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Work history and exposure across diverse geographic markets is advantageous.
• 50% travel in North America and Canada

Preferred:

• Master's degree in engineering in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

What will be your key responsibilities?

Associate Safety & Asset Conservation - Your First Responsibility

• Provide visible leadership to foster a strong safety culture, ensuring all contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders are properly trained, actively engaged, and held accountable for safe behaviors
• Champion a zero‑incident environment by ensuring that all projects fully comply with all local safety and environmental regulations as well as Mars HSE and Asset Conservation Standards
• Ensure all contractors and suppliers on site follow site safety procedures and permit‑to‑work systems
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for all engineering works prior to any project execution
• Lead safety reviews and toolbox talk for project teams and contractors
• Integrate safety‑by‑design principles into all engineering solutions and drive improvements in machine safety, ergonomic design, and hazard elimination
• Lead incident investigations related to engineering projects, corrective actions, and risk mitigation processes to prevent recurrence
• Protect site assets by ensuring proper installation, commissioning, and validation of equipment

Quality & Food Safety - Site's License to Operate

• Design and execute projects in compliance with local food safety and quality regulatory requirements as well as Mars Quality and Food Safety Standards
• Partner with Site Q&FS teams to assess project‑related food safety risks and implement change management processes to avoid product contamination or quality impact
• Ensure all equipment and installations meet Mars facility and hygienic design standards
• Coordinate validation activities with Site Operations, R&D and other stakeholders during FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ where required
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring engineering compliance documentation is complete
• Maintain accurate documentation including P&IDs, SOP updates, and technical files

Project Management

• Lead end‑to‑end project management using RC PMP process for assigned engineering projects, from concept through execution, commissioning and handover
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans, ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost control measures
• Manage project teams, including internal associates, contractors, and suppliers
• Track project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful delivery
• Manage vendor selection, contractor performance, and procurement processes with support from MGS Indirect stakeholders
• Ensure all project documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Mars standards
• Communicate project status, risks, and achievements to stakeholders and leadership teams
• Responsible for leading projects up to $30M or part of a team on larger projects greater than $30M
• May lead projects across multiple factory locations

Technical Leadership & Engineering Excellence

• Provide advanced technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, automation, or process systems to site Technical Teams when required
• Partner with site FI and Operations Teams to troubleshoot complex operational technical problems and support root cause analysis
• Standardize engineering solutions across the site where applicable

Stakeholder Management

• Ensure alignment between site CBN priorities, country and regional business objectives and engineering project execution
• Present project updates, risks, and financial summaries to site, regional and global leadership teams
• Build strong vendor and contractor relationships

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