Project Engineer

PurposeBuilt Brands; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 85,700 - 104,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Employee discount

Fitness stipend

Job summary

PurposeBuilt Brands in Gurnee, IL is seeking a Project Engineer to lead capital projects, equipment installations, and process improvements across manufacturing operations.

You will partner with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Procurement to deliver projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience leading capital projects and equipment installations.
• Familiarity with FAT/SAT and commissioning.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and CI tools.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of capital projects, ensuring alignment with operational goals and timelines.
• Assist in developing project scopes, technical specifications, equipment requirements, and execution plans.
• Contribute to Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs), including basic cost estimates, data gathering, and tracking.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and vendors to support safe and efficient project execution.
• Assist with equipment procurement, FAT, installation, commissioning, and SAT.
• Support process improvements to increase throughput, reduce downtime, and improve reliability.
• Analyze process performance and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Ensure projects comply with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Provide hands‑on support during equipment installation, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Act as a technical liaison between operations teams and equipment OEMs.

Skills

Project mgmt

Capital projects

AutoCAD

Manufacturing systems

LEAN/CI

Cross-functional

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Who We Are PurposeBuilt Brands, rooted in a legacy dating back to Weiman, stands as a pioneer in crafting top-tier products for specialty surfaces. Our beloved brands, including 30 Seconds, Harris, Weiman, Goo Gone, Green Gobbler, Biokleen, Gonzo, Magic, Mighty Mint, Wright’s, Stone Care International, Urnex, Five Star, and Micro-Scientific, are preferred choices among consumers and seasoned professionals alike.

Gurnee, IL

The Role

The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the execution of capital projects, equipment installations, and process improvements across manufacturing operations. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Procurement to deliver projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.

What You Will Do

• Support the execution of capital projects, ensuring alignment with operational goals and timelines
• Assist in developing project scopes, technical specifications, equipment requirements, and execution plans
• Contribute to Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs), including basic cost estimates, data gathering, and tracking
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and vendors to support safe and efficient project execution
• Assist with equipment procurement, factory acceptance testing (FAT), installation, commissioning, and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Support process improvements to increase throughput, reduce downtime, and improve reliability
• Analyze process performance and identify opportunities for optimization
• Ensure projects comply with safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Provide hands‑on support during equipment installation, startup, and troubleshooting
• Act as a technical liaison between operations teams and equipment OEMs

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 3–5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (CPG preferred)
• Experience supporting capital projects and equipment installations
• Basic understanding of packaging equipment, automation, or manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup processes
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar tools (preferred but not required)
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Effective communication and ability to work cross‑functionally
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced plant environment
• Experience in consumer goods, personal care, food, or chemical manufacturing
• Experience with project management (planning, scheduling, and coordinating capital projects)
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement tools

Compensation Range

85,700.00 - 104,700.00

Benefits

PBB offers a wide range of benefits because we understand no two employees are the same. We want our employees to feel empowered to set their day up for success, whether that’s in the office or remote.

What We Offer

• Generous paid time off
• Competitive salaries and bonus incentives
• 401(k) company match
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pet insurance
• Annual fitness stipend
• Unmatched employee discount on all products