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Mechanical Project Engineer II

Greif · Alsip, IL · $103,900–$176,800 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role balances hands-on and analytical engineering. Tell me about a project where you did both, on the floor and at the desk.

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable in coveralls as well as CAD, since the posting asks for a real balance of both.

Walk me through a time you modified existing equipment to fix a production problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can improve what is already there rather than defaulting to buying new machines.

Tell me about a project that went over budget or late. What happened and what did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they own project setbacks honestly and can explain how they recovered or what they would change.

How do you get buy-in from operators and maintenance techs who are skeptical of an engineering change?

What they are checking: Whether they listen to the floor and involve the people who will live with the change every day.

What would you do

You support multiple plants across a region. How do you manage projects at sites you're not at every day?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep remote projects moving through plant contacts, clear plans, and regular check-ins.

A plant manager wants a fix this week, but your analysis says the real cause needs a bigger redesign. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can offer a short-term containment while still making the case for the long-term fix.

You're bringing a modified machine back online. What does your startup and handoff to production look like?

What they are checking: Whether they plan training, documentation, and spare parts so the plant can run the equipment after they leave.

About the work

How do you build the justification for an equipment improvement project?

What they are checking: Whether they can tie a project to safety, quality, downtime, or cost with numbers a manager will approve.

What CAD software do you use, and how do you make sure your drawings can actually be built and maintained?

What they are checking: Whether they design with fabrication and maintenance access in mind, not just a clean model on screen.

How do you approach machine guarding and safety when you design or change a piece of equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they build safety into the design from the start, rather than adding guards after an operator complains.

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The full job description

As published by Greif.

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn. OUR VISION: To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win. OUR PURPOSE: Creating packaging solutions for life’s essentials. Job Requisition #: 035276 Mechanical Project Engineer II (Open) Job Description: Reporting to the Regional Engineering Manager this role will be responsible for supporting creative engineering solutions to production process issues through the modification and improvement of existing equipment and subcomponents, or the design and development of new products. Utilize Engineering background to lead projects, develop and implement equipment or process improvements and other engineering functions within the assigned region. Position requires a balance between of hands-on and analytical engineering skills. Key Responsibilities • Manages the development and execution of several concurrent medium complexity (2+ MUSD) projects, including scope development, requirements specifications, schedule, estimating cost and tracking budget and resources. Plans other technical activities relating to the project to ensure safety, regulatory, and policy requirements are met. • Designs and develops basic mechanical layouts while taking in consideration specifics to new products or manufacturing process requirements. Suggests improvements to existing equipment or processes. • Defines and drafts project technical requirements specification to aid the acquisition of assets and services. Develop all project related documentation and hand over packages • develops projects which optimizes manufacturing processes, including process control, set-up, changeover, automation, die development, new equipment selections and lean manufacturing workflow improvements to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, reliability, and safety. • Participates with the internal EH&S resources to identify implement equipment safety standards, risks, and procedures. Supports equipment safety upgrades as needed in the plant network. Supports commitment-based safety. Promotes use of all PPE by employees, ensuring guards and safety features are working, and good daily safety practices and habits. • Interfaces and coordinates internal and external stakeholders, discusses proposals, solutions and manages projects execution to scope. • Provide technical consultation to plant maintenance groups pertaining to installation, trouble shooting, process control and repair of equipment. • Can be sent to a facility with minimal guidance, establish and implement robust improvement plans. • Performs other duties as assigned. Education and Experience • Typically possesses Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering Preferred) • Advanced degree a plus • 5-7+ years of Project Engineering in manufacturing environment with practical expertise in mechanical, electrical engineering. • Mechanical engineering knowledge and its application, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, and component design • Hands-on experience with set-up, troubleshooting, changeover, automation, and die optimization • Experience with new product development, design, trials, and material selection • Basic electrical experience as is relating to control of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems Knowledge and Skills • Related background and experience in project engineering and management (planning, prioritization, and implementation). Experience leading medium projects. Project examples include new equipment, machine rebuilds, process upgrades and automation cell design and complete manufacturing line install. • Experience with developing detailed plans to improve plant reliability, robustness, and profitability. • Ability to learn and develop Greif internal process and product requirements knowledge, support trials and suggest material selection • Ability to understanding and follow electrical diagrams, • Good knowledge of electrical components, instrumentation, and their application to mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems • Ability to follow controls, programing logic as it pertains to the manufacturing processes, • Fundamental knowledge of electrical codes • Good communication skills for creating, delivering project ideas and solutions and foster a positive relationship • Good understanding of OSHA, all regulatory compliances and industrial safety practices • Good understanding of financial details related to ROI, NPV • Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D and 3D • Advanced Use of Microsoft office tools, MS project, Smartsheet’s • Spanish speaking is a plus • Extensive travel required #LI-MK1 At Greif , we believe that our colleagues are the center of our success. Our Total Rewards have a comprehensive focus on well-being and offer a competitive package that enables you to thrive, be engaged, and reach your full potential. Compensation Range: The pay range for this position is $103,900.00 - $176,800.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between105,000.00 to140,000.00 annually. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short-term incentive. Benefits Statement: Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive core benefits, paid time off, and a range of local benefits for eligible colleagues. Protect Yourself From Scams: We value the integrity of our recruitment process and prioritize the well-being of our candidates. While you may find Greif job postings on various platforms, all legitimate opportunities can be verified on our official Careers page at www.greif.com . All communication from Greif regarding job opportunities will also come from an @greif.com email address. If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting, receive an unsolicited job offer or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact us for verification via this link Contact Us - Greif . EEO Statement: https://www.greif.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HR-101-Equal-Employment-Opportunity-Policy-English.pdf We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other any other legally protected characteristic. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

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