Project Engineer - Food Processing Equipment

Cozzini LLC is hiring a Project Engineer to manage custom protein-processing equipment and integrated food-processing systems projects from sales handoff through design, manufacturing support, installation, startup, and final customer acceptance. This onsite role in Elk Grove Village, IL brings together project execution, technical documentation, and direct customer coordination to keep schedules and budgets on track.

In this position, you will own project planning and communication across internal teams and external partners, while providing commissioning support and troubleshooting assistance at customer sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects from sales transfer through installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, equipment layouts, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support efficient execution and timely project completion.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor project scope, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to meet project objectives.
• Manage drawing approvals, project records, testing requirements, and quality documentation.
• Support equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities at customer sites.
• Identify project risks and implement solutions to address technical, operational, or scheduling challenges.
• Provide regular project status updates and communicate changes, risks, and milestones to stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project execution, standardization, and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with additional engineering, operational, and business initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in Project Engineering, Applications Engineering, Sales Engineering, Project Management, or capital equipment manufacturing.
• Experience with custom equipment, food processing systems, protein processing equipment, or other industrial machinery is preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, including the ability to read, interpret, and review engineering drawings, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at once while balancing priorities, schedules, budgets, and customer expectations.
• Experience working collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Sales, and customer-facing teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel as needed for customer meetings, equipment installations, startup support, commissioning, and project execution activities.

Compensation and Location

• Location: Elk Grove Village, IL (onsite)
• Salary: USD 85,000 - 95,000 per year

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) plan