Senior Project Engineer

Global Search Network; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Search Network is seeking a site-based Capital Project Engineer to plan, manage, and execute major capital projects across large-scale food processing operations. You will oversee all phases from scope through start-up, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

The role requires 4+ years in project engineering within heavy manufacturing, with strong knowledge of sanitary design and SAP ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on project engineering or capital project execution in heavy manufacturing (food processing, CPG, agriculture, or specialty chemicals preferred).
• Background in construction management, equipment installation, system commissioning, and facility start-up.
• Direct experience managing capital projects or portfolios valued at $5M+.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute major capital engineering projects across large-scale food processing operations.
• Oversee all phases: scope development, cost estimating, detailed engineering design, construction management, commissioning, and start-up.
• Coordinate with plant operations, EHS, maintenance, and external contractors to finish on schedule and within budget.

Skills

4+ years experience in project eng

Construction management

Equipment installation

System commissioning

Facility start-up

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or related technical field) or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on project engineering or capital project execution experience in a heavy manufacturing environment (Food Processing, CPG, Agriculture, or Specialty Chemicals preferred).
• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated background in construction management, equipment installation, system commissioning, and facility start-up.
• Direct experience managing capital projects or portfolios valued at $5M+.
• Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, specifically SAP enterprise project modules.
• Strong knowledge of sanitary design standards, hygienic equipment layout, and industrial safety regulations in food manufacturing.

In this site-based, individual contributor technical execution role, you will plan, manage, and execute major capital engineering projects across large-scale food processing operations. You will oversee all phases of project delivery—from initial scope development, cost estimating, and detailed engineering design through construction management, commissioning, and facility start-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Capital Execution: Oversee engineering design, time/cost estimation, construction, testing, commissioning, and full plant start-up for site equipment, systems, structures, and utilities.
• Process & Systems Optimization: Analyze plant manufacturing equipment, diagnose root causes of component failure, and implement continuous process improvements to boost production yield and operational efficiency.
• Quality & Standards: Enforce strict corporate engineering standards, sanitary design practices, and quality assurances across all capital project deliverables.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with plant operations, EHS, maintenance, and external contractors to ensure projects finish on schedule, within budget, and without operational disruption.
• Technical Problem Solving: Serve as the site technical subject matter expert to independently resolve complex engineering issues on the processing floor.