Sr Manufacturing Project Engineer

The Swan Food Company; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

A U.S. affiliate of a global lifestyle brand is in search of a Sr Project Engineer to lead planning and execution of high-impact capital projects in food manufacturing. Responsibilities span project management from conception to commissioning, ensuring cross-functional collaboration and alignment. Qualified candidates will hold a degree in engineering and have extensive experience in project leadership, problem-solving, and communication.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits

Retirement and financial wellbeing programs

Time off programs

Wellbeing support programs

Qualifications

• 7+ years in project management leadership on multi-unit operations.
• Advanced knowledge of processing, packaging, and facility systems in food manufacturing.
• Familiar with EHS standards and regulatory compliance (USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end capital projects including budgeting and execution.
• Develop capital requests with cash-flow forecasting.
• Ensure alignment and communication with stakeholders across Global Supply Chain.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Troubleshooting

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (ABET accredited preferred)

Tools

CAD

Job 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.

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