Project Lead - Special Projects

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a senior project engineer in Chicago, IL to lead capital projects from front end through closeout. You will drive schedules, budgets, and scope while coordinating cross-functional teams across sites to deliver $20MM+ programs with a focus on quality and cost efficiency.

Applicants should have a BS in Engineering and 5–7 years of full-cycle project management experience, with a strong background in mechanical/electrical systems and a willingness to travel up to 50% across

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is required.
• 5-7 years of full cycle project management experience.
• Experience in capital project governance, vendor management, project scheduling, risk management, leadership, communication, and experience managing multiple concurrent capital projects across several sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects through full lifecycle from front end development to close out.
• Ensure projects are completed on time within budget and meet objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance equipment reliability and lifecycle costs.
• Prepare interim and completion project reports and provide technical support to factories.

Skills

Project management

Capital governance

Vendor management

Scheduling

Risk management

Leadership

Cross-functional lead

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Job description

Job ID

R-104453

Date posted

08/13/2026

Team

Engineering & Maintenance

Location

Chicago, IL, US

Job Description

• To ensure projects are completed on time within budget or with successful attainment of objectives.
• Lead capital projects through the full project lifecycle, including front end development, cost estimating, execution, commissioning, startup and project close out.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, efficiency and lifecycle cost.
• Completes specific phases or aspects of the project such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications and technical plans and product testing.
• Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems.
• Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget.
• Prepares interim and completion project reports.
• Provide functional and technical support to the factories to minimize production and maintenance problems.
• Apply engineering expertise to equipment design, problems solving, and quality improvement.
• Support PRC and key support projects as technical advisor or project manager.
• In every activity, use the principles of TQM “To do the job right the first time” This includes establishing requirements and the process maps necessary to meet the customer’s requirements and all things done right the first time.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is required
• 5-7 years of experience of full cycle project management experience
• Experience in capital project governance, vendor management, project scheduling, risk management, leadership, communication, and experience managing multiple concurrent capital projects across several sites.
• Strong background in mechanical and hydraulic systems, packaging methods, and materials, electronics and computer applications, and electrical systems.
• Ability to work to flexible schedule including days, afternoons, midnights, and overtime as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to Direct/Lead/Manage cross functional teams on large capital project/programs of $20MM or more.
• Traveling up to 50%

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces Additionally, this role requires normal working hours. Up to 50% travel required across North America.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

Bonus

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

Benefits

• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Equal Opportunity Statement

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.