Avon Project Engineer

Job Description

Project Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: Avon, NY Reports To: Engineering Manager Non-Union Role

Position Summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Project Engineer to support our manufacturing facility in Avon, NY. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and managing capital and expense projects while supporting production, maintenance, quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Project Engineer provides technical expertise, leads cross-functional project activities, manages project budgets and schedules, and ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company objectives.

Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation and project closeout.

• Develop project scope, technical specifications, timelines, budgets, savings estimates, and implementation plans.

• Manage project schedules, expenditures, asset controls, and overall project performance to ensure objectives are achieved on time and within budget.

• Prepare project reports, capital appropriation requests, and financial justifications for capital and expense projects.

Technical Leadership

• Provide engineering support to manufacturing operations to minimize production and maintenance issues.

• Apply engineering expertise to equipment design, process improvements, packaging methods, asset reliability, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and manufacturing processes for potential implementation.

• Coordinate technical problem-solving efforts involving operations, maintenance, quality, vendors, and contractors.

Capital Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Lead cost reduction, productivity improvement, and operational efficiency projects.

• Support long-range capital planning, including development and management of annual and five-year capital budgets.

• Analyze and justify capital investments and replacement of inefficient or obsolete assets.

• Promote continuous improvement and Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to improve quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.

Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage contractors, vendors, and external resources associated with assigned projects.

• Coordinate cross-functional project teams and effectively communicate project status and technical information to all levels of the organization.

• Participate on committees, project review teams, and company initiatives to support business goals.

Safety & Compliance Responsibilities

• Follow all Kraft Heinz safety policies and procedures and ensure contractor compliance.

• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with safety, quality, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements as well as Kraft Heinz engineering standards.

• Participate in risk assessments and hazard mitigation activities.

Quality & Continuous Improvement Responsibilities

• Support initiatives that improve product quality and manufacturing reliability.

• Identify and implement process improvements that drive efficiency and cost savings.

• Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout a manufacturing facility for extended periods.

• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in office, manufacturing, and training environments.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred.

• 0-3 years of engineering or project engineering experience.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial systems.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support project execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience managing capital projects.

• Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and packaging systems.

• Food manufacturing experience.

• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience working with contractors and outside vendors.

• Experience with capital planning and budgeting processes.

Working Conditions

• Primarily day shift hours, generally 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, with flexibility based on business and project needs.

• May require support during equipment installations, startup activities, shutdowns, and major capital projects.

• Evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required.

• Work performed in both office and manufacturing environments.

• Frequent interaction with operations, maintenance, contractors, vendors, and engineering personnel.

• Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, manufacturing operations, varying temperatures, and elevated noise levels.

Additional Information

• Flexibility to support off-shift work, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required to support project execution and plant operations.

• Employees are expected to comply with all federal, state, local, company, safety, quality, and food safety requirements.

Benefits Overview

In addition to competitive pay, Kraft Heinz offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial future, and personal well-being, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

• HRA and Optional Flexible Spending Accounts

• 401(k) with Company Match and Additional Core Contribution

• Company-Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Pet Insurance and Voluntary Benefits

• Maven Family Support Resources

• Paid Vacation and Holidays

• Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and if applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Compensation Overview

Pay Range: $34.00 - $38.00 per hour

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity

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, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Avon Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.