Sr. Project Engineer - Process

Mars • Chicago, IL

6d • $108,160 - $148,720 • Onsite

About The Position

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is seeking a Sr. Project Engineer – Process to lead and support process engineering projects across Mars Snacking. The role provides lead technology support for high-impact capital projects from ideation through closure, building manufacturing and technological capability across the Accelerator division. Core leadership focuses on food manufacturing and processing technologies, with additional involvement in infrastructure, utilities, general manufacturing, and packaging systems.

The engineer partners across Technical Operations, Plant Leadership, Brand Innovation, Procurement, Finance, and other functions to deliver capital projects with strong execution, economic cost, and high quality. Projects range from $2 million to more than $100 million. The position also supports processing and packaging standards, site engineering teams, safety and food-safety compliance, and the development of engineering and operational talent. Travel may be required up to 50%, depending on project phase and workload maturity.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering; Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering is preferred.
• At least 7 years of engineering, production, or technical leadership experience in consumer products manufacturing, with deep expertise in food processing and manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated end-to-end capital project management, including management of multiple work streams, budgets, contractors, and timelines.
• Foundational knowledge across industrial engineering disciplines, including packaging, civil/structural, electrical, utilities, and construction management.
• Strong interpersonal and English communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners in plant operations, finance, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, depending on project phase and workload maturity.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related technical field.
• Direct leadership of large-scale capital projects exceeding $5 million.
• Deep background in sourcing and procurement negotiations, supplier relationship management, and advanced automation platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of capital projects ranging from $2 million to more than $100 million, meeting schedules, budgets, functional targets, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary technical authority and contact for processing technology within the Accelerator division; identify automation and technology opportunities to improve line efficiency and sustain technical advantage.
• Partner with Accelerator Business Units, Brand Innovation, Manufacturing, Technical Operations, and Procurement to align project scope, justify investments, assess risk, and deliver operational priorities.
• Develop, justify, and manage capital budgets, cash-flow projections, scope-change approvals, feasibility studies, and productivity and cost-savings initiatives with Finance and PMO.
• Support the development of processing and packaging system standards in collaboration with R&D, global technical platforms, and other Mars segments.
• Guide site engineering teams on design concepts, equipment specifications, vendor selection, construction management, and manufacturing layout optimization.
• Work with Health, Safety, and Environment and Quality & Food Safety teams to ensure designs and operating procedures comply with Mars safety and food-safety standards.
• Build an engaged operational network across engineering, supply, and procurement; mentor and upskill team members in emerging technologies and project-execution practices.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Participation in a 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off.
• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.

What This Job Offers

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