Project Engineer

Job Description

Title: Project Engineer

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL


Overview:

Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: 401k and bonus eligibility annually


Pay : $90-115k depending on experience


Job Summary:

• Reporting to the Engineering Projects Manager, the Project Engineer will support the execution of strategic capital initiatives and other engineering-driven projects. This role bridges the gap between design and implementation, ensuring that technical specifications, schedules, and project objectives are met. Projects may include new production lines, facility modifications, or other operational improvements, and the Project Engineer will be critical in delivering results on time, on budget, and to specification.

Job Duties:

• Lead project planning and development, including conceptual layouts, cost analysis, equipment research, scheduling, and contingency planning.
• Manage capital projects end-to-end, defining scope, budgets, and timelines while validating user requirements and refining preliminary engineering estimates.
• Develop detailed layouts and project schedules using AutoCAD to coordinate installation activities with Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities teams.
• Source and evaluate vendors, manage purchase requisitions and contracts, and oversee ongoing vendor relationships.
• Assist technical and sales teams with capital estimates for new opportunities.
• Monitor vendor and contractor performance to ensure compliance with project schedules, safety requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct vendor site visits for equipment validation, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and technical evaluations.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and startup to ensure smooth transitions to operational teams.
• Provide concise, high-level project updates to management and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Process and Reliability Engineering to identify and implement efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and quality enhancements.
• Support CapEx sponsors through project approvals, ROI analysis, and post-project reviews.
• Maintain and update facility layouts, air/electrical capacity records, and demand-monitoring documentation.
• Partner with Safety teams to ensure compliance of all equipment and processes with company standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Technology, or related field.
• 2-5 years' experience managing capital projects, preferably in a manufacturing environment; food industry experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD software; strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel essential; Project, Visio, and Access a plus).
• Proven ability to analyze risks, solve complex problems, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills; able to influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of plant operations, processing systems, and packaging equipment.
• Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and time management, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations and prioritize multiple projects.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Nancy Rodriguez
Technical Recruiter

Nancy is a Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with more than five years of full-cycle recruiting experience. She supports Sterling's Food & Beverage and Life Sciences divisions, helping connect qualified candidates with opportunities in highly specialized, fast-moving industries.

Nancy enjoys recruiting because of the meaningful impact she can make throughout the hiring process. She is passionate about guiding candidates through each step with clear communication, transparency, and support, helping make the interview process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

For Nancy, recruiting is about more than filling open roles. It is about creating a positive candidate experience, building trust, and helping people move forward with confidence in their careers.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.