Engineering Project Manager

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading and executing engineering initiatives that support manufacturing operations, automation improvements, and capital project deployment. This role manages cross‑functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to required performance standards. The Engineering Project Manager collaborates closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, and external vendors to drive innovation, improve reliability, and enhance production capabilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

Project Management & Execution

• Lead engineering projects from initial concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Coordinate internal teams and external vendors to ensure effective project execution.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including charters, risk assessments, timelines, and status reports.
• Ensure all projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Technical & Engineering Leadership

• Support equipment selection, system design, facility layout, and process integration for new or upgraded manufacturing technologies.
• Oversee FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning, and equipment validation activities.
• Provide engineering expertise to troubleshoot issues, evaluate technology options, and improve system performance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, maintenance, automation, quality, and product development teams to ensure project success.
• Facilitate communication between departments and ensure alignment on goals, deliverables, and timelines.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost‑effective execution.
• Develop capital project requests and present proposals to leadership.
• Maintain documentation, reports, and communication required for internal governance.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to identify cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Recommend innovative technologies or design approaches to improve manufacturing speed, cost, or reliability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).
• 3 +  years of engineering project management experience in manufacturing or related industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects, automation upgrades, or process engineering initiatives.
• Strong project management capabilities, including planning, organizing, and risk management.
• Solid technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation systems, and industrial equipment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize competing demands, and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 7 +  years of engineering project management experience in manufacturing or related industry.
• PMP, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or similar certifications.
• Experience with automation technologies, industrial controls, or manufacturing systems.

 

The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $130,000 (Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:

Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.