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JOB DETAILS

Project Engineer (Protein Processing Equipment)

CompanyCozzini LLC
LocationElk Grove Village
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 21, 2026
About The Company
With a reputation fostered over 100 years, Cozzini has established itself as THE global market leader, supplying protein preparation, handling and automation solutions to secondary processors. Founded in 1905, and part of the Middleby Food Processing Group since 2010, Cozzini’s team of over 100 employees supports thousands of installations around the world. Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL, Cozzini customers are further aided by the Middleby Food Processing Group’s direct sales and service presence in 13 strategically located countries around the globe, and via a broader representation network that spans more than 100 nations. Both the equipment, including grinders, blenders, emulsifiers, conveyors, and customized material handling, and processes, designed and built in Cozzini’s two production facilities, literally help to feed the world. With history and practice comes knowledge and experience. Reach out! Find out how Cozzini’s Best in Class team of Engineers and Application Experts work to understand your specific plant and project needs and deliver solutions that not only future proof your production but add value for the duration.
About the Role

Description

Cozzini, LLC is seeking a Project Engineer to lead the execution of custom protein-processing machinery and integrated food-processing systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working across technical design, manufacturing, project management, customer relationships, and hands-on execution.


As a Project Engineer, you’ll own assigned projects from the initial Sales-to-Engineering handoff through engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance. You’ll coordinate teams across the organization, translate customer and commercial requirements into actionable plans, and help ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed-upon specifications.


In this position, you’ll serve as a central point of contact for project execution, connecting customers with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Sales, and Field Service.


Key Responsibilities

  • Own assigned projects from the Sales-to-Engineering transition through final customer acceptance.
  • Translate customer requirements and commercial commitments into clear technical scopes, deliverables, and execution plans.
  • Develop and maintain equipment layouts, production plans, schedules, milestones, and project timelines.
  • Coordinate Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Sales, and Field Service to keep projects moving efficiently.
  • Maintain clear communication around project specifications, open items, deadlines, changes, and customer expectations.
  • Monitor project costs, schedules, materials, and internal resources to identify and address potential issues before they impact delivery.
  • Partner with Purchasing and suppliers to source specialized components and externally manufactured equipment.
  • Manage customer review and approval cycles for drawings and other engineering documentation prior to fabrication.
  • Coordinate testing, inspections, documentation, and quality activities throughout the manufacturing and build process.
  • Work closely with Field Service during equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning at customer facilities.
  • Investigate technical, scheduling, and execution challenges and drive them toward resolution.
  • Keep customers and internal stakeholders informed of project progress, changes, risks, and decisions requiring attention.
  • Identify opportunities to improve project planning, communication, and execution across Engineering and Manufacturing.
  • Contribute to standardization, project-management processes, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
  • Support additional engineering and operations activities as needed.

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

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. 

Requirements

  • 3–5 years of experience in Project Engineering, Applications Engineering, Sales Engineering, or capital equipment manufacturing.
  • Experience with custom equipment, food processing, protein processing, or industrial systems preferred.
  • AutoCAD proficiency and ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications.
  • Strong project management, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, budgets, and priorities.
  • Experience coordinating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and customer-facing teams.
  • Willingness to travel as needed for customer meetings, installations, and commissioning.
Key Skills
Project managementMechanical engineeringElectrical engineeringAutoCADCapital equipment manufacturingFood processingProtein processingTechnical documentationBudget managementCross-functional coordinationTroubleshootingCommissioningQuality controlProcurementSchedulingCustomer relations
Categories
EngineeringManufacturingFood & BeverageManagement & LeadershipLogistics
Benefits
Medical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Company-paid life insuranceCompany-paid disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Paid holidaysPaid time off (PTO)401(k) plan
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Project Engineer will manage custom protein-processing machinery projects from the initial sales handoff through fabrication, installation, and final customer acceptance. They are responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, maintaining project timelines and budgets, and ensuring all technical specifications are met.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$80,000 - $90,000
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
94
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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