Project Engineer (MET)

The (MET) Project Engineer is responsible for executing and supporting the implementation of maintenance and reliability programs across assigned manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with plant teams to deploy corporate strategies, improve equipment reliability, and drive consistency in maintenance practices.The Project Engineer focuses on site-level execution, including identifying asset reliability risks, supporting CMMS adoption, analyzing performance data, and implementing solutions that improve uptime and operational efficiency. This role plays a critical part in translating enterprise strategy into practical, sustainable actions at the plant level while driving measurable improvements in reliability performance.Location: The position will be based out of the Chicagoland area.Travel: 50%-80% annual travel is associated with the role.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Execution & Site SupportImplement corporate maintenance and reliability strategies, standards, and processes across assigned facilitiesSupport 3–5 plants simultaneously to drive consistency in reliability practices and program execution Partner with Plant Maintenance and Operations teams to identify and address equipment reliability gapsExecute reliability improvement initiatives, including loss elimination and failure reductionTravel to manufacturing sites on a regular basis to ensure adherence to budget, schedule and deliverables. CMMS Implementation & UtilizationSupport implementation, adoption, and consistent use of CMMS systems at assigned sitesEnsure accuracy and integrity of maintenance data, including work orders, asset hierarchy, and preventive maintenance plansMonitor CMMS compliance and drive adherence to established standardsReliability Analysis & Continuous ImprovementAnalyze equipment performance data to identify trends, recurring failures, and improvement opportunitiesConduct root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive action implementationApply reliability tools such as FMECA, MTBF/MTTR analysis to improve asset performanceSupport continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologiesTraining & Capability DevelopmentTrain and coach plant maintenance teams on reliability tools, CMMS usage, and best practicesSupport development of maintenance capabilities at the site level through knowledge sharing and hands-on guidanceReinforce standardized processes and drive adoption of best practicesProject ExecutionManage and execute assigned reliability and maintenance-related projects from planning through completionCoordinate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Planning) to ensure successful implementationTrack project timelines, milestones, and results; escalate risks or delays as neededMetrics & ReportingTrack and report site-level reliability metrics, including asset performance and maintenance effectivenessSupport development of dashboards and reports to monitor performance against targetsParticipate in facility-level and regional metric reviews, providing insights and action plansCollaboration & CommunicationWork cross-functionally to align maintenance activities with production and operational prioritiesCommunicate progress, challenges, and results to plant leadership and MET leadershipSupport knowledge sharing across facilities by documenting and promoting best practicesBudget & Planning SupportAssist in development of site-level maintenance budgets and forecasting effortsIdentify cost-saving opportunities through improved asset performance and maintenance practicesQualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree required; preferably in Industrial or Mechanical EngineeringExperience:Minimum 3 years in the food industry or equivalent cGMP manufacturing environment3–5 years of relevant engineering or reliability experience, preferably in a manufacturing environmentHands-on experience with equipment reliability, maintenance practices, and continuous improvement initiativesTechnical Skills: Working knowledge of CMMS systems and maintenance management principlesProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with SharePointExposure to AutoCAD and equipment layout/design concepts preferredUnderstanding of equipment center-lining, SMED, and maintenance optimization methodologiesSkills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data interpretationAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environmentEffective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across plant teamsDemonstrated ability to drive results through influence in a non-direct authority environmentKnowledge of preventative, predictive, and total productive maintenance practicesAbility to translate strategy into actionable execution at the site levelThe pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $85,788 -$128,682/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.#LI-MA1 JobFamilyIndividual ContributorPayTypeSalaryTravelRequiredtrueTravelPercentage50