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Project Engineer - Electrical

Greif · IL · $94,400–$160,700 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 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

Tell me about an electrical project you led on production equipment, from scope to startup.

What they are checking: Whether they have carried an electrical project through design, install, and commissioning rather than one piece of it.

Tell me about a time an equipment improvement you designed didn't work as planned. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they own design misses and work the problem through rather than blaming the installer.

What would you do

The role reports to the SBU Engineering Manager and covers a region. How do you support a plant that's hours away when a project hits trouble?

What they are checking: Whether they can troubleshoot remotely, guide local techs, and judge when they need to be on site.

How do you decide whether to modify existing equipment or recommend buying new?

What they are checking: Whether they compare cost, risk, downtime, and parts support honestly rather than preferring the more interesting option.

How do you work with outside electrical contractors on an install at a running plant?

What they are checking: Whether they manage scope, safety, and schedule with contractors while keeping production disruption low.

About the work

Which PLC platforms have you programmed, and how do you structure logic so plant maintenance can troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they write clear, documented logic that technicians can follow at 2 AM without calling them.

How do you approach designing a control panel or modifying an existing one?

What they are checking: Whether they think about code compliance, wire labeling, heat, and room for future changes.

What do you check to make sure a machine's safety circuit meets current standards?

What they are checking: Whether they understand safety-rated devices and risk assessment, since control safety failures cause serious injuries.

How do you approach arc flash and electrical safety on a project at an existing plant?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for energized work hazards, labeling, and PPE, not just the circuit design itself.

What documentation do you leave behind when a project is done?

What they are checking: Whether they update prints, programs, and spare parts lists so the plant can support the equipment long term.

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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 #: 034412 Project Engineer - Electrical (Open) Job Description: Job Summary: Reporting to the SBU 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 Electrical 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 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. • Incorporates safety measures are within design specifications, ensuring guards and safety features are working, and promoting safety practices and habits, etc. • May contribute to the development of policies and procedures. • Performs other duties as assigned. Education and Experience • Typically possesses Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering required. Advanced degree a plus. Project Management experienced or certified. PMP Certification a plus • 5-7+ years of Project Engineering in manufacturing environment with practical expertise in electrical engineering and knowledge of machine control. • Experience with design and analysis of basic power and control circuits. • Experience configuring and programming PLC’s, motor controls, electrical protection • Fundamental knowledge of electrical codes 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. • Extensive 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 throughout North America required (50%) Specific Electrical Knowledge and Skills Required: • Electrical engineering knowledge of machine control • Experience with design and analysis of basic power and control circuits • Experience configuring and programming PLC’s, motor controls, electrical protection • Fundamental knowledge of electrical codes Specific Paper Knowledge and Skills a Plus • Basic knowledge tube and core and fibre drum manufacturing processes and equipment • Conceptual/Basic experience with set-up, troubleshooting, changeover, automation, and tube/PaB/drum optimization • Conceptual knowledge of spiral lines, PaB lines, convolute lines, and fibre drum processing • Basic machine process control set up • Conceptual experience with new product development, design and trial • Experience with paper grades and glue composition and selection a plus #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 $94,400.00 - $160,700.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between100,000.00 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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