Project Engineer (MET)

Maker’s Pride, LLC; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Maker's Pride, LLC in Downers Grove, IL is seeking a MET Project Engineer to drive maintenance and reliability programs across multiple facilities. You will partner with plant teams to deploy standards, improve equipment uptime, and implement robust maintenance practices.

The role is based in the Chicagoland area with 50–80% travel. It emphasizes site-level execution—CMMS adoption, data analysis, root-cause resolution, and continuous improvement—to reduce downtime and increase efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent required; preferably Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of relevant engineering or reliability experience in a manufacturing environment; food industry/cGMP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement maintenance and reliability strategies across facilities.
• Support 3–5 plants to drive consistency in practices and program execution.
• Identify reliability gaps and address them through CMMS adoption and improvements.
• Analyze equipment performance to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead root-cause analysis and CAPA in collaboration with plant teams.

Skills

CMMS knowledge

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Cross-functional

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

SharePoint

Excel

Job description

Downers Grove, 3333 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 4:00 AM

The (MET) Project Engineer is responsible for executing and supporting the implementation of maintenance and reliability programs across assigned manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with plant teams to deploy corporate strategies, improve equipment reliability, and drive consistency in maintenance practices.

The Project Engineer focuses on site-level execution, including identifying asset reliability risks, supporting CMMS adoption, analyzing performance data, and implementing solutions that improve uptime and operational efficiency. This role plays a critical part in translating enterprise strategy into practical, sustainable actions at the plant level while driving measurable improvements in reliability performance.

Location: The position will be based out of the Chicagoland area.

Travel: 50%-80% annual travel is associated with the role.

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Site Support

• Implement corporate maintenance and reliability strategies, standards, and processes across assigned facilities
• Support 3–5 plants simultaneously to drive consistency in reliability practices and program execution
• Partner with Plant Maintenance and Operations teams to identify and address equipment reliability gaps
• Execute reliability improvement initiatives, including loss elimination and failure reduction
• Travel to manufacturing sites on a regular basis to ensure adherence to budget, schedule and deliverables.
• Support implementation, adoption, and consistent use of CMMS systems at assigned sites
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of maintenance data, including work orders, asset hierarchy, and preventive maintenance plans
• Monitor CMMS compliance and drive adherence to established standards

Reliability Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends, recurring failures, and improvement opportunities
• Conduct root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive action implementation
• Apply reliability tools such as FMECA, MTBF/MTTR analysis to improve asset performance
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Training & Capability Development

• Train and coach plant maintenance teams on reliability tools, CMMS usage, and best practices
• Support development of maintenance capabilities at the site level through knowledge sharing and hands‑on guidance
• Reinforce standardized processes and drive adoption of best practices

Project Execution

• Manage and execute assigned reliability and maintenance-related projects from planning through completion
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Planning) to ensure successful implementation
• Track project timelines, milestones, and results; elevate risks or delays as needed

Metrics & Reporting

• Track and report site-level reliability metrics, including asset performance and maintenance effectiveness
• Support development of dashboards and reports to monitor performance against targets
• Participate in facility-level and regional metric reviews, providing insights and action plans
• Work cross-functionally to align maintenance activities with production and operational priorities
• Communicate progress, challenges, and results to plant leadership and MET leadership
• Support knowledge sharing across facilities by documenting and promoting best practices

Budget & Planning Support

• Assist in development of site-level maintenance budgets and forecasting efforts
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through improved asset performance and maintenance practices

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree required; preferably in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 3 years in the food industry or equivalent cGMP manufacturing environment
• 3–5 years of relevant engineering or reliability experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on experience with equipment reliability, maintenance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of CMMS systems and maintenance management principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with SharePoint
• Exposure to AutoCAD and equipment layout/design concepts preferred
• Understanding of equipment center-lining, SMED, and maintenance optimization methodologies

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data interpretation
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross‑functionally across plant teams
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through influence in a non-direct authority environment
• Knowledge of preventative, predictive, and total productive maintenance practices
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable execution at the site level

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $85,788 -$128,682/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.

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Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Downers Grove, 3333 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America