Senior Project Engineer

Kerry; Beloit (WI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity stock purchase program

Incentive and recognition programs

Retirement contribution

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to drive capital projects and process improvements across its manufacturing network. This role leads engineering efforts, coordinates cross-functional teams, and ensures safety, quality, and productivity throughout concept to handover.

The position involves travel up to 50% and close collaboration with operations, maintenance, quality, and external partners to achieve project goals across process, packaging, and infrastructure initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Process, Industrial, or similar).
• 5+ years of Project and/or Process Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years leading capital projects, including cost estimating and schedule management.
• Experience with process improvements to increase capacity and efficiency.
• Strong working knowledge of project management tools and documentation.
• Experience with GMP requirements and food/pharma manufacturing context.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, PFDs and site drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept through start-up and closeout.
• Manage projects financially and staffing-wise in line with standards.
• Develop scopes, estimates, schedules and execution plans.
• Justify and close capital projects up to $5MM+.
• Direct design, selection of equipment, and supplier bids.
• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and verification activities.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive operational improvements and productivity on the floor.
• Maintain detailed schedules and cost tracking; prepare management updates.
• Lead meetings and communicate effectively with contractors and plants.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Navisworks

MS Project

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Senior Project Engineer plays a critical role in delivering capital projects and process improvements across Kerry’s manufacturing network. This role leads and supports engineering, systems integration, and operational efficiency initiatives that improve safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.

The position supports multiple projects across one or more facilities and requires strong collaboration with operations, maintenance, quality, and external partners. Projects span process, packaging, and infrastructure investments, from early concept through commissioning and handover.

Home-based near a major airport or manufacturing site. Up to 50% travel, depending on project location.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Leadership

• Lead process and facility capital projects from concept through start-up and closeout.
• Manage projects from a technical, financial, and manpower perspective in alignment with company standards.
• Develop project scopes, estimates, schedules, and execution plans.
• Justify, implement, and close capital projects up to $5MM+.
• Create initial project estimates and timelines for early-stage evaluation.
• Prepare and submit capital requests in accordance with corporate governance requirements.

Engineering & Technical Execution

• Participate directly in the design and development of process and infrastructure projects.
• Identify and evaluate equipment and process options to meet business objectives.
• Obtain, evaluate, and recommend contractor bids; select suppliers aligned with project and company needs.
• Initiate purchase orders and manage vendor relationships throughout execution.
• Direct installation, commissioning, qualification, and verification activities.
• Ensure engineering solutions align with global engineering standards, including sanitary design, ergonomics, employee safety, and food safety.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all safety, quality, regulatory, and environmental standards are met or exceeded.
• Apply company standards for food processing, including sanitary design, operational efficiency, health, safety, and sustainability.
• Support GMP compliance across food, beverage, and (as applicable) pharmaceutical operations.

Operational Improvement

• Identify operational improvement opportunities and initiate cost-saving initiatives.
• Partner with plant teams to analyze and improve productivity, reliability, and throughput.
• Be present on the manufacturing floor to support execution, troubleshoot issues, and drive improvements.

Project Controls & Communication

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and cost tracking.
• Prepare reports and updates for management and project stakeholders, including budget status, contractor activity, and schedule progress.
• Lead project meetings, including design reviews and project reviews.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both written and verbal, with contractors, plant personnel, peers, and leadership.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Coordinate internal teams and external contractors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Serve as a hands-on project leader working across cross-functional teams.
• Foster a positive, innovative, and collaborative work environment.
• Complete additional assignments and initiatives as requested.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Process, Industrial, or similar).
• 5+ years of Project and/or Process Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading capital projects, including cost estimating and schedule management.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing process improvements to increase capacity and efficiency.
• Strong working knowledge of project management tools and documentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Navisworks, MS Project, Excel, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, PFDs, site and elevation drawings, and utility systems.
• Hands-on, results-oriented project leader with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Experience in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements.
• Experience with utilities, wastewater systems, boilers, control systems, bulk tanks, and sustainability initiatives.

The typical hiring range for this role is $140,467 to $211,850 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).