Senior Packaging Project Engineer — Chocolate Packaging Leader

Mars; Hackettstown (NJ); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical and dental benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Sr. Packaging Project Engineer to lead packaging equipment projects in the North America Chocolate Packaging Team.

You will guide multi-discipline capital projects, from business case to startup, ensuring safety and efficiency in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates have 5–10+ years in related technical roles, a strong track record of $5M+ projects, and the ability to manage contractors and cross-functional teams across manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years in a comparable technical position (food, beverage, pharma or related).
• CapEx projects greater than $5M and cross-functional leadership.
• Experience leading contractors and OEMs in a factory environment.
• Strong understanding of Process, Packaging, Electrical/Controls, Construction, Utilities.
• Knowledge of food safety and clean design.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative packaging engineering solutions that drive a competitive advantage.
• Accurately scope and estimate capital projects that are feasible and meet plans.
• Direct design, modification, installation, and integration of systems.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Commercial and Finance to meet objectives.
• Ensure delivery of scope, timeline, budget, and cash flow per Engineering Work Process.
• Lead commissioning, validation, and startup of equipment.

Skills

5-10+ years exp

Capital projects >$5M

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical or Mechanical

MBA or M.Eng

PMP certification

Job description

Mars is seeking a Sr. Packaging Project Engineer to lead packaging equipment projects in the North America Chocolate Packaging Team.

You will guide multi-discipline capital projects, from business case to startup, ensuring safety and efficiency in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates have 5–10+ years in related technical roles, a strong track record of $5M+ projects, and the ability to manage contractors and cross-functional teams across manufacturing sites.