Sr. Project Engineer - Process

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Accelerator seeks a Sr. Project Engineer – Process to lead capital projects across Mars Snacking. You will drive technology upgrades and manufacturing capabilities from ideation to closure in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Reporting across cross-functional teams, you will collaborate with Brand Innovation, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Finance to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective capital investments while delivering high-quality outcomes for iconic brands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; Mechanical/Chemical/Electrical preferred.
• 7+ years engineering/leadership experience in consumer products manufacturing (CPG).
• Proven track record in end-to-end capital project management.
• Strong English communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from ideation to closure, typically $2M–$100M+.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for processing technology within Accelerator.
• Partner with Accelerator BU, Brand Innovation, Manufacturing, Operations, and Procurement to align scope and investments.
• Develop and manage capital budgets, cash flow, and change-of-scope processes.
• Ensure designs comply with Mars safety and food safety standards.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Job description

Job Description:

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!

Are you ready to pioneer the future of snacking? The Sr. Project Engineer – Process will take the leadership for managing and supporting all Accelerator process engineering projects across Mars Snacking. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the lead technology support for high-impact capital projects from ideation through closure, driving manufacturing and technological capability within the fast-evolving Accelerator division. While your core leadership will focus on food manufacturing and processing technologies, you will also play a key role across infrastructure, utilities, general manufacturing, and packaging systems to meet dynamic business growth.

We are seeking a forward-thinking, agile engineering leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced industrial environment. You will partner cross-functionally across Technical Operations, Plant Leadership, Brand Innovation, Procurement, and Finance to deliver capital projects with executional excellence at the most economic cost and highest quality. If you are passionate about innovative engineering, cross-functional collaboration, and leading transformative capital initiatives that shape iconic brands, this is the opportunity for you.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Capital Project Leadership & Delivery: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of capital projects ranging from $2M to $100M+, delivering on time, within budget, and meeting all functional targets, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Process Technology & Capability: Serve as the primary technical authority and point of contact for processing technology within the Accelerator division, identifying automation and technology opportunities that optimize line efficiencies and drive sustained technical advantage.
• Strategic Cross-Functional Partnership: Act as a strong business and technical partner to Accelerator Business Units, Brand Innovation, Manufacturing, Technical Operations, and Procurement to align scope, justify investments, evaluate risk, and deliver operational priorities.
• Financial & Scope Management: Develop, justify, and manage capital budgets, cash flow projections, change-of-scope approvals, feasibility studies, and productivity cost-savings initiatives in close partnership with Finance and PMO.
• Standards & Technical Synergy: Support the development of standards for processing and packaging systems, collaborating with R&D, global technical platforms, and other Mars segments to leverage operational synergies.
• Site Engineering & Technical Guidance: Guide and support site engineering teams on design concepts, equipment specifications, vendor selection, construction management, and manufacturing layout optimization.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance: Collaborate closely with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and Quality & Food Safety (QFS) teams to ensure all designs and operating procedures strictly comply with Mars Inc. safety and food safety standards.
• Team Upskilling & Operational Community: Foster an engaged, high-performing operational network across engineering, supply, and procurement while actively mentoring and upskilling team members in emerging technologies and project execution best practices.

What are we looking for?

Essential Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of engineering, production, or technical leadership experience within consumer products manufacturing (CPG), with deep expertise in food processing and manufacturing systems.
• Capital Execution: Proven track record of end-to-end capital project management, with demonstrated success managing multiple work streams, budgets, contractors, and target timelines.
• Cross-Disciplinary Engineering Breadth: Solid foundational knowledge of broader industrial engineering disciplines, including packaging, civil/structural, electrical, utilities, and construction management.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in English, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners across plant operations, finance, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Mobility & Flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% depending on project phase and workload maturity.

Preferred / "Nice-to-Have":

• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related technical field.
• Direct leadership of large-scale capital projects exceeding $5M+.
• Deep background in sourcing/procurement negotiations, supplier relationship management, and advanced automation platforms.

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