Project Engineer

Colgate • Emporia, KS

8d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Capital Projects Engineer at Hill’s, you will report to the Engineering Manager and lead the end-to-end execution of strategic capital projects that drive our facility’s safety, capacity, and cost objectives. You will provide critical engineering expertise from initial feasibility and design through installation and final commissioning, ensuring every project is delivered on time and within budget. This role offers the exciting opportunity to own high-impact projects that directly shape the long-term operational capability of a world-class manufacturing site. By collaborating with cross-functional teams in Operations, Maintenance, and EOHS, you will be the primary driver of technical innovation and infrastructure growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Electrical, or a related field).
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or capital project execution within an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing equipment installations or line upgrades from concept through successful start-up.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and quality systems.
• Ability to work in industrial environments (dust, noise, variable temperatures) and move throughout production areas, including stairs and mezzanines.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Project Management and 5+ years of progressive engineering experience in CPG, food, or pharma industries.
• Certification or proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., PMP) and tools like MS Project.
• Experience with hygienic design, clean-in-place (CIP) systems, and reliability engineering (RCM, FMEA).
• Familiarity with SAP for capital tracking and the ability to interpret/create complex engineering drawings (P&IDs, electrical schematics).

Responsibilities

• Lead End-to-End Project Execution: Manage assigned capital projects from concept through start-up, including scope development, cost control, risk management, and final handover to operations.
• Drive Technical Design & Integration: Coordinate process, mechanical, and electrical designs to ensure seamless integration with existing utility systems and production layouts while meeting Hill's technical standards.
• Manage Vendor & Contractor Performance: Direct external engineering firms and equipment OEMs through RFQs, bid evaluations, and onsite installation to ensure safety and quality performance.
• Ensure EOHS & Quality Compliance: Accountability for full compliance with safety, environmental, and GMP standards in all project phases, including the execution of FATs/SATs and required validations.
• Enable Operational Readiness: Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to develop training materials, SOPs, and maintenance job plans that support site reliability and OEE targets.
• Optimize Infrastructure & Utilities: Evaluate project impacts on raw material flows and utility capacity (steam, air, water), working with Procurement and Warehouse teams to ensure site readiness.

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
• medical
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• paid parental leave
• disability coverage
• participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements
• a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.

What This Job Offers

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