Work Location: Chicago Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more), is essential for effective communication including in-person meetings, strong supervision, and real-time problem-solving and participation in cross-functional initiatives. This role requires on-site work in a manufacturing environment.
Join us at a defining moment. We're building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role to build a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future.
We're looking for a builder. Someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset. This role requires agility, curiosity, and a hands-on approach. You'll be solving problems in real time, building processes from scratch, and creating a high-performing, engaged workforce from day one. If you're driven by impact, ownership, and results, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.
Want to make an impact? Step into a role where your expertise will power the future of a world-class, flagship manufacturing facility. As the Utilities Expert Engineer, you'll lead the design, installation, and operation of the systems that keep our state-of-the-art plant running-from refrigeration and compressed air to boilers, chillers, and wastewater treatment. At a company on a mission to be the global leader in sugar confections, your leadership will ensure our utilities are efficient, sustainable, and reliable-enabling safe, uninterrupted production that delights millions of consumers worldwide.
This role with report to the VP, Engineering and will be based at our Corporate Headquarters in downtown Chicago, IL. Expected travel will be up to 50%.
Ways you will make a difference - Engineer the backbone: Oversee all mechanical utility systems, including refrigeration, boilers, steam, compressed air, chilled water, HVAC, and wastewater treatment.
- Build smart infrastructure: Lead design reviews, equipment selection, and contractor coordination to deliver efficient, high-performing utilities for a new "best in class" facility.
- Champion sustainability: Drive innovation in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction to meet global environmental goals.
- Ensure reliability: Develop maintenance strategies, SOPs, and monitoring systems that keep utilities safe, compliant, and continuously available.
- Lead commissioning: Manage startup and handover of utilities and wastewater systems, ensuring seamless integration into full-scale production.
- Partner across teams: Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, EHS, and Facilities to ensure utilities meet business needs and regulatory requirements.
- Drive performance: Monitor KPIs and lead continuous improvement initiatives to maximize uptime, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Skills that will make you successful - Deep technical expertise in refrigeration, utilities, and wastewater treatment systems.
- Strong project management skills with a proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure on time and within budget.
- Leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and contractors.
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset with a focus on root cause and long-term solutions.
- Strong knowledge of environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements related to utilities and wastewater treatment.
- Excellent communication skills to translate technical detail into actionable insights.
- Passion for sustainability, safety, and operational excellence.
Experiences that will support your success - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering (Master's preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in utilities engineering within manufacturing, preferably FMCG, food & beverage, or CPG industries.
- Hands-on experience managing large-scale refrigeration systems and mechanical utilities in a high-volume production environment.
- Proven expertise in wastewater treatment system design, operation, and compliance.
- Successful track record leading teams and contractors on capital projects and plant operations.
- Familiarity with modern energy efficiency practices, green building standards, and sustainability initiatives.
- Experience supporting large capital projects ($50M+) and scaling systems for global operations.
What We Offer At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at
Compensation The salary range for this role is $114,450 to $160,230 annually.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITYWe are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
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