Sr. Project Engineer

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University training

Benefits package

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Accelerators is seeking a Sr. Project Engineer to lead the design, installation, and commissioning of capital projects across seven regional sites, starting with a major Rome, GA project pipeline.

You will drive multi-disciplinary work across packaging, syrup handling, and infrastructure, coordinating with plant leadership and external partners to deliver safe, compliant results. You will own front-end scopes, engage with corporate engineering, and manage risks, with downtime planning and

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering.
• 5-10 years of experience in a comparable technical engineering position in food, beverage, CPG, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of core engineering disciplines and project delivery across multi-site manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, installation, and commissioning of capital projects across 7 regional sites, starting with a multi-year Rome, GA pipeline.
• Manage facility infrastructure and equipment installations (packaging, syrup systems, etc.).
• Deliver safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible results per Mars policies.
• Develop front-end scopes and engineering specs with site leadership and corporate teams.
• Partner with external engineering firms, equipment vendors, and contractors on site.
• Drive proactive project management and risk mitigation with contingency plans.
• Coordinate installations around operating schedules and downtime while ensuring cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering

Job description

Job Description: About the Locations: Rome, GA or Grand Rapids, MI

Function: Engineering

Segment / Division: Mars Snacking - Accelerator Division

Role

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what's next for Snacking. It's home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE'S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations.

We're looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We're proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you've found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

As a Sr. Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and installation of projects, bringing entrepreneurial drive and technical ownership to our manufacturing network. Your role will be a senior active member of the Engineering community, site technical team, the local engineering team, and assigned project team(s). Additionally, you will deploy your engineering know-how to successfully execute and deliver projects that provide a competitive advantage, supporting 7 plants across our network with a primary multi-year pipeline centered at our Rome, Georgia facility alongside Grand Rapids, Michigan. Working closely with plant leadership, corporate engineering, and external partners, you will lead high-impact facility and equipment projects while driving true ownership-anticipating challenges, formulating contingency plans, and delivering safe, competitive results.

What are we looking for?

• Education: Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline.
• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a comparable technical engineering position within food, beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Engineering Fundamentals: Strong knowledge of core engineering disciplines, including Process, Packaging, Electrical, Controls, and Construction/Civil engineering.
• Functional Expertise: In-depth technical understanding in a designated area of expertise (e.g., packaging automation, sanitary process systems, electrical infrastructure, or utilities).
• Capital Delivery & Multi-Site Agility: Proven track record leading capital projects from front-end scoping through installation and commissioning across manufacturing plant environments.
• Proactive Ownership: Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently-anticipating roadblocks, planning ahead, building contingency plans, and driving solutions rather than passively tracking and reporting status.
• Shutdown & Downtime Planning: Experience coordinating equipment installations, contractor work, and cutovers during scheduled production downtime and weekend installation windows.
• Maintenance & Reliability Background ( Nice-to-Have ): Background in plant maintenance management, reliability engineering, or planning for manufacturing facilities.
• Food & Packaging Systems ( Nice-to-Have ): Direct experience with baking/cold-form processes, bulk syrup/liquid handling systems, or high-speed packaging machinery.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of capital projects across 7 regional manufacturing sites, focusing initially on a significant multi-year project pipeline in Rome, GA.
• Manage diverse project scopes, including facility infrastructure (structural, sanitary floor drainage, HVAC overhauls, roofing, electrical distribution) and equipment installations (packaging systems, syrup systems, innovation projects).
• Deliver safe, secure, and environmentally responsible results that comply with all Mars safety, security, and environmental policies.
• Develop detailed front-end scopes of work and engineering specifications in close alignment with site leadership and corporate engineering teams.
• Partner with and manage external engineering firms, equipment vendors, and installation contractors on site.
• Drive proactive project management and risk mitigation-identifying critical-path risks early and establishing forward-looking contingency plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with plant operations, maintenance, and technical teams to coordinate installations around operating schedules and weekend downtime.
• Foster a winning team environment built on trust, high performance, and continuous technical development.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00