PROJECT ENGINEER

Kent Corporation; Muscatine (IA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent Consumer Brands Americas, LLC, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family, is seeking a Project Engineer to drive capital investment, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing network.

You will lead engineering projects from concept through startup, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and long-term growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing, food production, or continuous process environment.
• Minimum 3 years in capital project management (planning, budgeting, scheduling, installation, commissioning, startup).
• Minimum 3 years leading cross-functional projects with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Engineering and vendors.
• Experience managing construction activities, contractors, and equipment installations in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar CAD for layouts and reviews.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing automation, packaging systems, processing equipment, and plant operations.
• Understanding of GMPs, food safety, OSHA standards and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple capital and operational projects from concept through startup, including scope, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation and closeout.
• Develop and implement technical solutions meeting objectives while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and drive outcomes.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and construction activities to ensure safety, on-time delivery, and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with corporate standards and applicable codes while promoting safety and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement by applying best practices and lessons learned.
• Provide technical support to Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams to improve reliability.
• Communicate project status, risks, scope changes, budget and milestones to stakeholders.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant manufacturing experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Project management software

Job description

Kent Consumer Brands Americas, LLC, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family of companies, is seeking a Project Engineer to help drive capital investment, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing network. In this role, you will lead engineering projects from concept through startup, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and long-term business growth. This position provides the opportunity to support multiple manufacturing locations and make a meaningful impact across our operations while helping shape the future of our business. Build what's next. Grow with KENT WORLDWIDE.

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead multiple capital and operational projects from concept through startup, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Develop and implement technical solutions that meet operational objectives while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental, Safety, R&D, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and external partners to achieve project objectives and drive successful outcomes.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and construction activities by evaluating technical solutions, coordinating field execution, and resolving issues to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable codes while promoting a safe and quality-focused work environment.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives by implementing best practices, applying lessons learned, and identifying opportunities to enhance productivity and operational performance.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Communicate project status, risks, scope changes, budget performance, and key milestones to stakeholders while providing recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, records, and communication tools to support transparency, knowledge sharing, and long-term business needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing, food production, or continuous process environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing capital projects, including project planning, budgeting, scheduling, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading cross-functional projects and collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and external vendors.
• Experience managing construction activities, contractors, and equipment installations within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or a comparable CAD platform for equipment layouts, design reviews, and project development.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing automation, packaging systems, processing equipment, and plant operations.
• Understanding of food manufacturing regulations, including GMPs, food safety requirements, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance practices.

TRAVEL

• Up to 50% - Travel between different Kent Consumer Brands facilities (Muscatine, IA, Bolingbrook, IL, Superior, WI and New Sharon, IA)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.