Senior Project Engineer – Packaging FTO

Jobtailor; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Snacking is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead capital projects across North America. The role requires strong leadership in design, installation, commissioning and startup of packaging equipment while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Successful candidates will manage scope, schedule, and budget, collaborate with R&D, procurement, and site operations, and drive sustainability initiatives across the network.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Engineering is required.
• 7+ years in a comparable technical role; food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related industry preferred.
• Proven track record leading capital projects >$5M.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Experience managing consultants and installation contractors in a factory environment.
• Strong knowledge of Process, Packaging, Electrical/Controls, Construction, and Utilities.

Responsibilities

• Execute all phases of packaging equipment projects in the North American region.
• Design and install packaging equipment projects.
• Lead capital project execution from business case development through startup and validation.
• Collaborate with R&D, procurement, and site operations on equipment modifications and system integrations.
• Lead commissioning, validation, and equipment startup; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Capital Projects

Cross-Functional

Packaging Engineering

Process Engineering

Sustainability

Food Safety

Communication

Budgeting

Safety

Education

BS in Engineering

Job description

• Execute all phases of packaging equipment projects in the North American region


• Design and install packaging equipment projects


• Lead capital project execution from business case development and technical design/solution selection through physical installation, checkout, validation, and equipment startup


• Deploy engineering know-how, business knowledge, and creativity to deliver projects that provide competitive advantage


• Serve as technical lead for Freedom to Operate initiatives focused on packaging sustainability across the Mars Snacking network


• Partner with R&D, procurement, and site operations on equipment modifications and system integrations


• Develop 3–5 year technology-area plans to support Mars’ sustainability goals and Sustainable in a Generation plan


• Provide innovative Packaging Engineering solutions


• Scope and estimate capital projects


• Collaborate with stakeholders and R&D, Quality, Commercial, and Finance functions


• Ensure scope, timeline, budget, and cash flow delivery in accordance with the Engineering Work Process


• Manage contractors and OEMs onsite during installation and commissioning


• Create, monitor, and sustain a safe work environment


• Lead commissioning, validation, and equipment startup

Requirements

• BS degree in Engineering


• 7+ years’ experience in a comparable technical position; food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related industry preferable


• Proven track record in successfully developing and executing capital projects greater than $5M value


• Proven ability to lead and influence cross functional business teams


• Demonstrated ability to safely manage consultant engineering firms as well as mechanical and electrical installation contractors in a factory environment


• Proven deep understanding of engineering principles


• Knowledge of Process, Packaging, Electrical/Controls, Construction, and Utilities engineering disciplines


• Prior knowledge and experience in food safety and clean design


• Strong communication, listening, and influencing skills


• 25–50% travel requirement

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in executing capital projects in packaging engineering, with a focus on sustainability and compliance in the food and beverage industry. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex installations while ensuring safety and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Capital Project Management


• Packaging Engineering Solutions


• Cross-Functional Team Leadership


• Food Safety Knowledge


• Engineering Principles Expertise

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Project Execution


• Technical Design


• Equipment Installation


• Validation


• Budget Estimation


• Process Engineering


• Electrical/Controls Engineering


• Utilities Engineering


• Construction Engineering


• Sustainability Planning

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication


• Listening Skills


• Influencing Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• BS Degree in Engineering

Industry Keywords

• Food Industry


• Beverage Industry


• Pharmaceutical Industry


• Packaging Sustainability


• Clean Design


• Safety Management