Project Engineer (Must Reside Locally)

Winpak Careers • South Chicago Heights, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Winpak Portion Packaging is seeking a Project Engineer to join the Maintenance team based in South Chicago Heights, Illinois. Reporting to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will lead projects involving the design, development, automation, and improvement of extrusion systems, thermoforming equipment, and plant utilities. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys managing projects from concept through implementation while partnering with production, maintenance, contractors, and equipment vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing engineering projects in a manufacturing setting.
• Working knowledge of extrusion and thermoforming processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, project-management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to follow company requirements for safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation, chemical control, and food-packaging safety and quality.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in plastics manufacturing or industrial maintenance.
• Experience working with equipment vendors and outside contractors.
• Experience with equipment automation, capital projects, or manufacturing process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital and process-improvement projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and closeout, ensuring work is completed on schedule and within budget.
• Confirm that project designs meet specifications and are technically feasible, manufacturable, safe, and aligned with estimated costs.
• Coordinate and oversee the fabrication, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototype, proof-of-concept, and production equipment.
• Develop and manage process projects that improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance film quality, and strengthen process capability.
• Support the design and development of equipment automation and other manufacturing-engineering initiatives.
• Prepare capital-appropriation requests, develop project budgets, and monitor spending throughout execution.
• Coordinate outside contractors working at the South Chicago Heights facility and ensure work meets site requirements.
• Support the maintenance of the building and plant utilities, including production-area HVAC systems, air compressors, chillers, water systems, grounds, and general facility needs.
• Partner with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot equipment and process issues and implement sustainable improvements.
• Promote a safe work environment, follow applicable safety and food-packaging requirements, and promptly report safety, quality, or food-packaging concerns to plant management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
• Travel coverage
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• Retirement savings plans
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level