Project Engineer (175284)

Colgate-Palmolive; Emporia (KS); On-site; USD 77,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Disability coverage

Paid holidays

Vacation/PTO days

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Emporia, Kansas is seeking a Capital Projects Engineer to lead end-to-end projects that improve site safety, capacity, and cost efficiency. You will manage feasibility, design, installation, and commissioning with Operations, Maintenance, EOHS, and procurement to ensure on-time delivery.

Candidates should have an engineering degree and 3+ years in manufacturing or capital projects, with GMP knowledge and ability to work in an industrial setting on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Electrical, or related).
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or capital project execution in an industrial setting.
• Experience leading equipment installations or line upgrades from concept through start‑up.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety, and quality systems.
• Ability to work in industrial environments and move through production areas (dust, noise, variable temperatures).

Responsibilities

• Lead End-to-End Project Execution: Manage capital projects from concept through start‑up, including scope development, cost control, risk management, and handover to operations.
• Drive Technical Design & Integration: Coordinate process, mechanical, and electrical designs to ensure seamless integration with existing utility systems and production layouts while meeting Hill's technical standards.
• Manage Vendor & Contractor Performance: Direct external engineering firms and equipment OEMs through RFQs, bid evaluations, and onsite installation to ensure safety and quality performance.
• Ensure EOHS & Quality Compliance: Accountability for full compliance with safety, environmental, and GMP standards in all project phases, including the execution of FATs/SATs and required validations.
• Enable Operational Readiness: Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to develop training materials, SOPs, and maintenance job plans that support site reliability and OEE targets.
• Optimize Infrastructure & Utilities: Evaluate project impacts on raw material flows and utility capacity (steam, air, water), working with Procurement and Warehouse teams to ensure site readiness.

Skills

Project leadership

GMPs knowledge

Industrial environment adaptability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

SAP

Job description

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Emporia, Kansas, United States

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

As a Capital Projects Engineer at Hill’s, you will report to the Engineering Manager and lead the end-to-end execution of strategic capital projects that drive our facility’s safety, capacity, and cost objectives. You will provide critical engineering expertise from initial feasibility and design through installation and final commissioning, ensuring every project is delivered on time and within budget. This role offers the exciting opportunity to own high-impact projects that directly shape the long‑term operational capability of a world‑class manufacturing site. By collaborating with cross‑functional teams in Operations, Maintenance, and EOHS, you will be the primary driver of technical innovation and infrastructure growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead End-to-End Project Execution: Manage assigned capital projects from concept through start‑up, including scope development, cost control, risk management, and final handover to operations.
• Drive Technical Design & Integration: Coordinate process, mechanical, and electrical designs to ensure seamless integration with existing utility systems and production layouts while meeting Hill's technical standards.
• Manage Vendor & Contractor Performance: Direct external engineering firms and equipment OEMs through RFQs, bid evaluations, and onsite installation to ensure safety and quality performance.
• Ensure EOHS & Quality Compliance: Accountability for full compliance with safety, environmental, and GMP standards in all project phases, including the execution of FATs/SATs and required validations.
• Enable Operational Readiness: Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to develop training materials, SOPs, and maintenance job plans that support site reliability and OEE targets.
• Optimize Infrastructure & Utilities: Evaluate project impacts on raw material flows and utility capacity (steam, air, water), working with Procurement and Warehouse teams to ensure site readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Electrical, or a related field).
• Relevant Experience: 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or capital project execution within an industrial environment.
• Project Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing equipment installations or line upgrades from concept through successful start‑up.
• Technical Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and quality systems.
• Physical & Environmental Adaptability: Ability to work in industrial environments (dust, noise, variable temperatures) and move throughout production areas, including stairs and mezzanines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Expertise: Master’s degree in Engineering or Project Management and 5+ years of progressive engineering experience in CPG, food, or pharma industries.
• Project Management Tools: Certification or proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., PMP) and tools like MS Project.
• Specialized Engineering Skills: Experience with hygienic design, clean‑in‑place (CIP) systems, and reliability engineering (RCM, FMEA).
• Systems & Analytics: Familiarity with SAP for capital tracking and the ability to interpret/create complex engineering drawings (P&IDs, electrical schematics).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $76,800.00 - $121,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

• Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements.
• Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year).
• Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities.

Travel - up to 10% of time

On-site

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