Project Engineer

Van Drunen Farms; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead capital projects across a manufacturing environment, from planning through execution, with strong collaboration across Operations, Maintenance and Finance teams.

You will coordinate scopes, budgets, schedules, ROI analyses, and vendor evaluations, ensuring on-time delivery and compliance. A bachelor’s degree in engineering and 2+ years’ experience are required, with preferred experience in chemical/pharma/food manufacturing.

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.
• Chemical, Pharmaceutical or 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.

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

Engineering

Manufacturing experience

Project planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

MS Project

CAD 2D/3D

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

• Location: Momence IL. 100% Onsite
• Expected Pay Range: $90K-$120K, exempt
• Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.

Who We Are

At Van Druden 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.
• Chemical, Pharmaceutical or 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.

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