Sr Manufacturing Project Engineer

Schwan's; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in food manufacturing as a Sr Project Engineer. In this role, you will drive high-impact capital projects, ensuring their successful execution from concept to commissioning. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background and at least 7 years of project management experience, with a focus on continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement and financial wellbeing programs

Wellbeing support programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of successful project management leadership on multi-unit operation projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end capital projects, including scope, design, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop capital requests with cash-flow forecasting and project justification.
• Collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support trials, new product launches, and loss elimination initiatives.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Troubleshooting

Communication

CAD

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Job description

Description

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron, Tony’s, Big Daddy’s, Villa Prima and Freschetta pizzas; bibigo, Pagoda Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s and Edwards pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

We are hiring a Sr Project Engineer where you'll lead the planning and execution of high-impact capital projects that drive growth and efficiency. In this role, you’ll take projects from concept to commissioning—managing vendors, timelines, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage end-to-end capital projects, including scope, design, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop capital requests with cash-flow forecasting and project justification.
• Oversee equipment selection, factory layout, vendor coordination, and bid processes to ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure alignment and communication with cross-functional stakeholders across Global Supply Chain (GSC).
• Execute all phases of project delivery: design (e.g., FMEA, safety, sanitary), implementation (FAT/SAT), and startup (CQV, VSU).
• Support major corporate engineering initiatives and provide technical expertise to plant operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and technology upgrades by staying current with industry best practices.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support trials, new product launches, and loss elimination initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (ABET accredited program preferred).
• Minimum 7+ year with successful project management leadership on multi-unit operation projects.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in CAD and engineering drawing practices.
• Solid understanding of design, construction, and installation standards.
• Advanced knowledge of processing, packaging, and facility systems in a food manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with EHS standards and regulatory compliance (USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, state/local).
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across functions and levels.
• Skilled in training and coordinating with maintenance, production teams, and external vendors.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $90,750 to $151,250 annually with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to educations, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (ABET accredited programpreferred).

Years of Related Experience: 7+ year with successful project management leadership on multi-unit operation projects

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong problem-solving, decision making, and trouble-shooting skills; Stronginterpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal); Full understanding of drawing/drifting practiceswith ability to use CAD, Strong knowledge of engineering standards of design, construction, and installation;Advanced knowledge of processing, packaging & facility systems along with working knowledge of food manufacturing,engineering, quality, and research functions; Strong understanding of environmental, human and food safety (EHS)systems ; Working knowledge of USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for both manufacturing processes and building requirements; Ability to work with and influence diverse groups at various levels and acrossfunctions; Ability to train maintenance and production personnel as well as plan and execute work with maintenanceand vendors. Knowledge of Lean Six-Sigma concepts is preferred. Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% of thetime, as required (dependent on location).

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.