Sr Project Engineer
Florence, Kentucky Job ID 26-4229 Date posted Sep. 14, 2026 Category EngineeringAt CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.
Join our team as a Senior Project Engineer and lead high-impact capital projects at our frozen pizza manufacturing site in Florence, KY. In this role, you'll drive complex engineering initiatives that support growth, productivity, infrastructure, and operational excellence across food production, packaging, utilities, and facility systems. You'll partner cross-functionally to deliver innovative solutions that improve performance, reliability, and efficiency while shaping the future of our operations.
What You Will Do:
- Lead complex capital projects from concept through startup, including production equipment, utilities, infrastructure, and facility improvements.
- Manage the site's 3-year capital plan, including project scope, budgets, schedules, forecasting, and capital justification.
- Provide technical leadership to solve operational challenges, drive continuous improvement, and optimize manufacturing performance.
- Develop project specifications, manage bidding and contractor activities, and ensure safe, on-time, and cost-effective project execution.
- Lead project governance, risk management, commissioning, and startup activities, including FMEA, FAT/SAT, and qualification processes.
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions and support new products.
- Serve as a site engineering expert, supporting major corporate initiatives and leveraging emerging technologies to advance operational excellence.
What We Look For:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (ABET preferred).
- 7+ years of project engineering or project management experience leading capital projects in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven success managing large-scale projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and execution.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, engineering design, construction, and facility operations.
- Experience with CAD and engineering standards, plus a working knowledge of FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA, and related regulations.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Ability to effectively partner with operations, maintenance, contractors, and vendors to deliver project results.
- Lean Six Sigma experience or certification preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually, with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, and geography. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, and wellbeing support programs.
The employing subsidiaries of CJ Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.
#LI-KS1
Jobs For You
You have not viewed any jobs.
You currently have no saved jobs to view.
Please browse our open positions and save your favorites. You will be able to view them here when you revisit this page.
Find out more about who we are
-
Timeline Video
At CJ Schwan’s, we believe in creating a workplace that's as enjoyable as our food. Recently, our HR team was surprised with Bibigo Steamed Dumplings, bringing smiles and deliciousness to the office. It's these tasty perks and fun moments that make working here so special. Join our team and experience the joy of being part of a company that values great food and a great work environment!
-
Schwan's People Magazine
Dive into the latest edition of Moment Makers Magazine and discover the stories of our incredible team members and how they create moments of connection through the food we make. From heartwarming employee success stories to exciting company updates, our Spring 2026 edition shows how our people are creating a world of flavors for every table.
-
We're Schwan's Employees
What makes CJ Schwan’s so special? Let our Employees tell you themselves in their own words!