Sr Project Engineer

CJ Schwan's; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 93,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan's is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead capital projects at the Florence, KY site, driving growth, productivity, and facility improvements across production, packaging, and utilities.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering and Quality to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions, while ensuring safe, on-time project execution and alignment with corporate standards.

Qualifications

• ABET/engineering degree in ME, Chemical, ECE or IE preferred.
• 7+ years of project engineering or PM experience leading capital projects in manufacturing.
• Proven track record managing scope, budget, and schedules.
• Experience with CAD and engineering standards; FDA/USDA/OSHA/EPA regs.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex capital projects from concept through startup, including production equipment and facility improvements.
• Manage the site's 3-year capital plan with scope, budgets, schedules and justification.
• Provide technical leadership to solve operational challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop project specs, manage bidding/contractor activities and ensure safe, on-time execution.
• Lead governance, risk management, commissioning and startup activities (FMEA, FAT/SAT, qualification).
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, R&D, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

ABET preferred

Bachelor's in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Join our team as a Senior Project Engineer and lead high-impact capital projects at our frozen pizza manufacturing site in Florence, KY. In this role, you'll drive complex engineering initiatives that support growth, productivity, infrastructure, and operational excellence across food production, packaging, utilities, and facility systems. You'll partner cross-functionally to deliver innovative solutions that improve performance, reliability, and efficiency while shaping the future of our operations.

What You Will Do

• Lead complex capital projects from concept through startup, including production equipment, utilities, infrastructure, and facility improvements.
• Manage the site's 3-year capital plan, including project scope, budgets, schedules, forecasting, and capital justification.
• Provide technical leadership to solve operational challenges, drive continuous improvement, and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Develop project specifications, manage bidding and contractor activities, and ensure safe, on-time, and cost-effective project execution.
• Lead project governance, risk management, commissioning, and startup activities, including FMEA, FAT/SAT, and qualification processes.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions and support new products.
• Serve as a site engineering expert, supporting major corporate initiatives and leveraging emerging technologies to advance operational excellence.

What We Look For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (ABET preferred).
• 7+ years of project engineering or project management experience leading capital projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing large-scale projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and execution.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, engineering design, construction, and facility operations.
• Experience with CAD and engineering standards, plus a working knowledge of FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA, and related regulations.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to effectively partner with operations, maintenance, contractors, and vendors to deliver project results.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or certification preferred.

Compensation And Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually, with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, and geography. 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, and wellbeing support programs.

The employing subsidiaries of CJ 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.