Sr. Project Engineer – Packaging FTO

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

Job summary

The Packaging Engineering team at Mars leads all phases of packaging equipment projects in North America. The Sr. Packaging Project Engineer designs, installs and commissions systems to move products from processing to final packaging, enabling sustainability goals and cross-functional collaboration.

You will partner with R&D, procurement and site operations to drive 3–5 year technology plans, lead high-impact modifications, and ensure safe, on-time project delivery with FTO considerations.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering; advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in a comparable technical position in food, beverage, pharma or related industry.
• Proven track record delivering capital projects >$5M.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing consultants and installation contractors in a factory.
• Knowledge of Process, Packaging, Electrical/Controls, Construction and Utilities.
• Understanding of food safety and clean design; strong communication skills.
• Willing to travel 25–50%.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative packaging engineering solutions that create competitive advantage.
• Scope and estimate capital projects that are technically feasible and meet plans.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Commercial and Finance to define objectives.
• Ensure delivery of scope, timeline, budget, and cash flow per the EWP.
• Onsite management of contractors and OEMs during installation and commissioning; maintain safe work environment.
• Lead commissioning, validation and startup of equipment.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Strong communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA or advanced engineering degree

Job description

Job Description: The Packaging Engineering team executes all phases of packaging equipment projects in the North American region. We engineer, install and commission systems to pick up where processing ends and advance the product through all phases of packaging and handling to the factory dispatch dock doors. The technologies involved are varied and typically begin with product delivery / distribution and extend through primary, secondary and tertiary packaging machines / systems to the finished pallet and truck loading. The Sr. Packaging Project Engineer is responsible for the design and installation of packaging equipment projects. This role will lead all phases in the execution of a Capital Project from Business case development and technical design / solution selection to managing the physical installation, checkout, validation and start-up of the equipment. The Project Engineer is responsible for deploying his/her engineering know-how, business knowledge and creativity to successfully design, execute and deliver projects to the business that provide a competitive advantage. In this specialized capacity, the Sr. Packaging Project Engineer will serve as the technical lead for Freedom to Operate (FTO) initiatives, with a primary focus on driving packaging sustainability across the Mars Snacking network. By partnering closely with R&D, procurement, and site operations, you will lead high-impact equipment modifications and system integrations. This role will require development of 3-5 year plans for a technology area to meet Mars' sustainability goals. Your efforts will be pivotal in supporting Mars' Sustainable in a Generation plan.

What are we looking for?

• BS degree in Engineering; an advanced degree in Engineering or MBA considered a plus
• 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 engineering disciplines: Process, Packaging, Electrical/Controls, Construction, Utilities
• Prior knowledge and experience in food safety and clean design
• Strong communication, listening, and influencing skills
• 25-50% travel requirement

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Provide innovative Packaging Engineering solutions that drive a competitive advantage
• Accurately scope and estimate capital projects that are technically feasible and meet business and segment plans
• Communicate and collaborate with all Stakeholders and other functions (R&D, Quality, Commercial, Finance) to ensure capital project objectives are clearly defined and achieved
• Ensure delivery of scope, timeline, budget, and cash flow for all assigned engineering projects in accordance with the Engineering Work Process (EWP)
• Onsite management of contractors and OEMs during installation & commissioning; Includes creating, monitoring, and sustaining a safe work environment for contractors and associates
• Leadership through commissioning, validation, and startup of equipment

What can you expect from Mars?

• The opportunity to learn and develop, taking charge of your own career across Mars
• An industry competitive salary and great benefits package
• 401(k) match
• Chance to work cross functionally, and add value and impact to the business

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

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.