Senior Project Engineer

Lindt & Sprüngli; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindt & Sprüngli in San Leandro, California, is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to oversee capital improvement projects that strengthen our manufacturing infrastructure.

This role requires mechatronics, automation, and electrical engineering expertise to deliver on-time, within-budget installations while ensuring EHSS standards and smooth handovers to production.

Qualifications

• BS/AE degree in engineering with 3–5 years in manufacturing capital project management
• Mechatronics/Automation/Electrical engineering degrees preferred
• Food/pharmaceutical background and chocolate experience preferred
• Strong collaboration across levels and departments
• Experience managing capital projects >$3M
• EHSS knowledge in a food production environment
• MS Office and AutoCAD proficiency; ERP knowledge a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Clear oral and written presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and organize multiple new installations projects with minimal supervision
• Develop project scope, budget, timeline and success criteria
• Apply PM fundamentals including Early Equipment Management
• Identify process improvements in production and business processes
• Coordinate with suppliers to order, test and approve equipment
• Coordinate installation with contractors and internal resources
• Ensure smooth handover with training and documentation of new equipment
• Support maintenance with expert troubleshooting on new equipment
• Participate in Continuous Improvement teams

Skills

Project management

Capital projects

Mechatronics

Automation

Electrical engineering

AutoCAD

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

BS/BE in Engineering

Mechatronics

Automation

Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

ERP systems

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

The Senior Project Engineer manages capital improvement projects to build, maintain, and improve the manufacturing infrastructure. The Engineering Department’s purpose is to Deliver Great Solutions by being both innovative and brilliant at the basics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design, plan and organize multiple new installations projects with minimal supervision
• Develops and maintains project scope, budget, timeline and success criteria to meet given objectives
• Uses good PM fundamentals including the existing Early Equipment Management process with expert ability
• Identify areas for process improvement in production and business processes
• Carry out independent concept investigations for solutions to assigned projects
• Work with suppliers to order, specify, test and approve new equipment
• Coordinate mechanical and electrical installation requirements with both outside contractors and internal resources where applicable
• Ensure efficient hand over of new installations to Production and Maintenance Departments through proper training and documentation of new equipment and/or packaging/process systems
• Serve as a resource for Maintenance when expert and in-depth information is required for troubleshooting and preventative work on new equipment
• Participates in the process improvement teams as a team member in other Continuous Improvement initiatives as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BS/A Degree in Engineering and 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing capital project management position; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Mechatronics, Automation and Electric Engineering degrees are preferred
• Food or pharmaceutical background preferred; Chocolate experience desired
• Ability to effectively collaborate on all levels, functions, and departments
• Management of +3MM capital projects
• Food or pharmaceutical background preferred; Chocolate experience desired
• Possess knowledge about EHSS (environmental, health, safety, security) requirements in a food production plant
• Ability to work effectively in a Union environment
• Computer literacy in MS Office and Auto Cad; ERP knowledge is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
• Clear oral and written presentation skills

Other Job Requirements

• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs
• Travel is required, the amount of travel is dependent on the projects being managed
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail
• Generally, works in a regular office environment
• In support of projects, working in the field is occasionally required
• Conditions in the field include: Ability to climb stairs and ladders; must be able to work from heights
• Exposure to vibration, moving mechanical parts and loud noise
• Capable of using protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection, air masks, respirators, etc. in the performance of job duties
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures and will be exposed to heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, confined spaces, elevated areas, dirt, ash particles and fuel particles
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required

Salary

Salary: $117770 to $153080 / year

Corporate Overview

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.