Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Sr Project Engineer

Kraft Heinz · Champaign, IL · $89,800–$112,200 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 3, 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 the largest capital project you've led in a manufacturing plant. What was the budget, and how did it finish?

What they are checking: Whether they have led large, complex capital work and can talk honestly about cost and schedule results.

Tell me about a time operations and engineering disagreed on a design. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can align plant leadership and engineering so the result works for the people who run it.

How do you keep stakeholders informed through a long project without drowning them in updates?

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear governance and communication rhythm that keeps decisions moving.

Tell me about a startup where something went wrong. How did you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and methodical when a new line doesn't perform at startup.

What would you do

Halfway through installation, you find the project will run 10 percent over budget. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they surface bad news early with options instead of hoping to recover quietly.

You're leading three projects at once, and two need you on-site the same week. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize across projects and delegate without losing control of critical work.

About the work

How do you build a realistic schedule and budget for installing a new processing or packaging line in an operating food plant?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for the real constraints of working around production, sanitation and food safety.

What does a good commissioning and startup plan look like, and how do you know you're ready to hand off to operations?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a project isn't done until the line runs reliably for the plant team.

How do you manage contractor safety on a project inside a running food plant?

What they are checking: Whether they treat contractor safety and food safety as their responsibility, not just the contractor's.

What do you look for when selecting equipment for a food manufacturing line?

What they are checking: Whether they consider sanitary design, maintenance and reliability, not just upfront price.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description Key Responsibilities Project Leadership and Execution • Lead multiple approved capital projects simultaneously, including large and complex manufacturing projects • Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and execution plans • Drive project execution from approved design through installation, commissioning, startup, and final handoff • Monitor project performance and resolve barriers that impact safety, quality, cost, or timing • Ensure project deliverables are completed with strong execution discipline and clear accountability Engineering and Technical Delivery • Lead preliminary and final design engineering activities for capital projects • Oversee technical specifications, equipment selection, contractor coordination, and installation planning • Provide on-site engineering support during construction, installation, testing, and startup • Ensure assets are implemented in accordance with engineering, safety, quality, and operational standards • Support troubleshooting and technical problem-solving during project execution Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, safety, finance, procurement, and plant leadership to support project success • Lead cross-functional communication, stakeholder alignment, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle • Establish and maintain project governance routines, status reporting, and escalation processes • Coordinate project dependencies to ensure efficient implementation and readiness for startup Risk, Controls, and Reporting • Develop and maintain project estimates, forecasts, schedules, and status reporting • Identify project risks and lead mitigation planning to protect project delivery • Track project costs, timelines, and implementation progress against approved plans • Ensure project documentation, reporting, and closeout activities are complete and accurate Startup and Handoff • Support trial runs, commissioning, startup readiness, and early operational stabilization • Ensure action items and final action items are completed prior to project closeout • Partner with plant teams to transition assets into operation successfully • Capture lessons learned and applied them to future project execution Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in engineering required • 3+ years of engineering and capital project experience in manufacturing, industrial, or consumer packaged goods environments • Demonstrated experience leading multiple capital projects simultaneously • Experience in project planning, design engineering, construction support, installation, commissioning, and startup • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project leadership skills • Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a plant environment Preferred Qualifications • Experience in food and beverage or consumer packaged goods manufacturing • Experience supporting large-scale capital projects in an operating plant environment • Experience with project governance, risk management, and reporting routines • PMP or similar project management certification preferred Key Competencies • Capital project execution • Engineering leadership • Cross-functional collaboration • Project planning and controls • Risk management • Communication and stakeholder management • Problem-solving and decision-making • Startup and commissioning discipline Working Conditions • Role is based on site in Holland, Michigan • Frequent plant-floor presence required during active project phases • Travel may be required on a limited basis to support project execution, vendors, or related site activity • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Success Measures Success in this role will be measured by: • Safe and effective delivery of approved capital projects • Achievement of project scope, schedule, and budget commitments • Strong startup readiness and asset handoff execution • Effective cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment • Consistent project reporting, governance, and execution discipline #INDMFGS Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values. New Hire Base Salary Range: $89,800.00 - $112,200.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability Location(s) Champaign Plant Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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