Step into the heart of major capital projects in Niles, IL You arrive on site at a highly automated dessert manufacturing facility. A new line is mid-install; vendors are unloading equipment, a contractor has a question about a utility drop, and a controls vendor is finalizing a commissioning plan. You open the latest AutoCAD layout, reconcile it with field conditions, align the schedule to protect production, and rally cross-functional teammates from Operations, R&D, Maintenance, and QA. By day's end, installation issues are resolved, the startup plan is locked, and the path to handoff is clear. Your focus Own in-flight capital projects from installation through startup, commissioning, performance validation, and final handoff. Direct contractors, vendors, and suppliers; keep cross-functional plant teams aligned and accountable. Plan and coordinate mechanical equipment installs with minimal disruption to live production. Review equipment layouts, AutoCAD drawings, specs, and submittals; close gaps between design and field conditions. Track schedules, budgets, contracts, milestones, and action items—no detail slips. Troubleshoot install/startup issues and drive timely resolutions with plant and vendor partners. Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, and programming/controls vendors to de-risk startup. Validate equipment performance and document commissioning outcomes. Guard timelines while upholding safety, quality, and production requirements. What you'll bring 8+ years of project engineering experience in manufacturing. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering discipline (preferred). Proven success delivering $1M+ capital projects end-to-end. Hands-on leadership across installation, startup, and commissioning. Fluent in reading/interpreting AutoCAD drawings, layouts, and technical documentation. Track record coordinating work in active plants while protecting throughput. Excellent communication, organization, troubleshooting, and ownership. Food & beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred. Greenfield and/or brownfield backgrounds are a plus. Manufacturing environment High-volume, highly automated food manufacturing facility in Niles, IL producing desserts (including icings and whipped toppings). Food-grade, clean, and temperature-controlled with some refrigerated/cold production areas.