Senior Project Engineer

Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

CLASS: $36/hr.

DATE: April 9, 2026

Job summary:

Responsible for all aspects of capital project activity at the Factory, including project justification and budget development, design and specification of equipment, development of machine, material, and manpower layouts, creating and negotiating construction and fabrication contracts, scheduling and coordinating resources, overseeing execution, control and accounting of capital and expense spending, and management of performance in all areas of each project.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mfg./Industrial Engineering
• Minimum of 3 years of Engineering or Maintenance experience in the food processing industry and a minimum of 2 years' experience in selecting, engaging, and supervising contractors and vendors to accomplish project work in an operational food processing plant.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, HVAC, thermodynamic, and control systems.
• Proven and demonstrated experience with the design, installation, and operation of food manufacturing processing and packaging systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of contract development and negotiation.
• Skilled in mechanical and electrical equipment design.
• Successful experience planning and managing multiple concurrent projects with other engineers in a fully networked environment.
• Successful experience leading plant manufacturing cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project and ERP navigation
• Understanding of budgeting and manufacturing cost accounting principles.
• Fundamental understanding and experience regarding compliance with USDA regulations and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of building construction and maintenance.
• Skills: Multi-tasking, organizational, communication , planning, troubleshooting, analytical, motivational,
• Preferred: AutoCAD proficient

Job responsibilities:

• Develop written economic and/or other justification for each project.
• Develop a project scope that describes the activities and expenses of each project, and identifies the resources required for execution.
• Develop a schedule for each project that identifies and coordinates internal and external activities including coordinating project area and factory systems availability with multiple stakeholders.
• Develop detailed engineering specifications for the fabrication and performance of equipment and systems. This includes close coordination with the EHS Dept. to ensure compliance with all city, county, state, and federal regulations.
• Design meet the unique requirements of factory products. This includes independent
• Research and develop specialized equipment to provide the innovation necessary in Hydration & Desserts.
• Develop engineering designs and concepts that provide detailed information regarding equipment manufacture and system layouts.
• Develop and negotiate legal contracts with vendors and contractors for building construction, facility improvements, equipment fabrication and installation.
• Facilitate contractor orientation that includes introduction to KHC and site policies regarding EHS, USDA Good Manufacturing Practices, company confidentiality and security.
• Collaborate & coordinate with other project engineers regarding Project schedules, plant downtime and startup events, specifications, and correspondence.

• Provide technical and problem solving assistance to other departments, including recommendations for equipment and process improvements.

• Organize, lead, and manage cross-functional project implementation teams. This includes creating agendas, scheduling meetings, facilitating team decisions, and following up on assignments. Ensure projects are completed with minimum interruptions to Production.
• Conduct project briefs for Factory and Corporate management as required, to provide status updates and respond to dynamic direction.
• Create project files that facilitate project activity: e.g. proposals, reference info, purchase orders, quotations, design drawings, specifications, correspondence and contracts,
• Track project spending versus budget. Ensure invoices are properly accounted for and vendor payments made per agreed upon terms.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining the targeted budget and schedule requirements.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
• Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Kendallville Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io