Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Sr. Project Engineer

Kraft Heinz · Chicago, IL · $120,800–$151,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 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.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description Essential Functions & Responsibilities • To ensure projects are completed on time within budget or with successful attainment of objectives. • Completes specific phases or aspects of the project such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications and technical plans and product testing. • Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems. • Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget. • Prepares interim and completion project reports. • Provide functional and technical support to the factories to minimize production and maintenance problems. • Apply engineering expertise to equipment design, problem solving, and quality improvement. • Support PRC and key support projects as technical advisor or project manager. • In every activity, use the principles of TQM “To do the job right the first time” This includes establishing requirements and the process maps necessary to meet the customer’s requirements and all things done right the first time. Expected Experience & Required Skills • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is preferred. • 5+ years of experience of full cycle project management experience • Strong background in mechanical and hydraulic systems, packaging methods, and materials, electronics and computer applications, and electrical systems. • Ability to work to flexible schedule including days, afternoons, midnights, and overtime as needed. • Demonstrated ability to Direct/Lead/Manage cross functional teams on large capital project/programs. This role can be located in Chicago Aon or any of the following plant locations: Garland, Springfield, New Ulm, Davenport, Jax Coffee, Columbia, Coshocton, Newberry, Kirksville, Woodstock Work Environment & Schedule Up to 50% travel required across North America. 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: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00 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) Chicago/Aon Center, Springfield 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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