Project Engineer

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world. Join us—a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet.

About the role

As a Project Engineer, you will drive the design, execution, and commissioning of multi-million-dollar capital projects at our state-of-the-art Oral Care production facility. You will conceptualize the future of our manufacturing capabilities, from initial scope and vendor bidding to line installation, automation integration, and final qualification. Partnering with cross-functional plant leadership and external contractors, you will transform capital expenditure into operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Direct capital projects from initial scope definition and technical feasibility studies through construction, startup, and operational handover.
• Own the Capital Expenditure Budget (CEB) process; administer contractor contracts, monitor expenditures, and maintain strict cost control to deliver projects on time and under budget.
• Develop detailed project execution plans, sequence critical path milestones, and resolve operational bottlenecks on the factory floor.
• Study product specifications and performance targets to design technical solutions, specify high-speed processing/packaging machinery, and execute layout studies.
• Lead rigorous testing protocols to confirm equipment reliability, product performance, and full compliance with FDA/cGMP and quality standards.
• Partner with Controls, Reliability, and Safety teams to integrate advanced utility systems, line automation, and digital manufacturing tools into plant workflows.
• Manage RFP/RFQ bidding processes, evaluate technical vendor proposals, and supervise external contractors on-site to enforce strict performance and safety standards.
• Champion Environmental, Occupational Health, and Safety (EOHS) rules across all project sites, ensuring compliance with OSHA and internal zero-incident safety standards.
• Track and report real-time project metrics, capital spending trends, and risk management plans to executive plant leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or related engineering discipline).
• 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience inside a high-speed cGMP manufacturing environment (CPG, Pharma, Food & Beverage, Personal Care, or related industry).
• Proven track record of managing capital equipment installations, line upgrades, and factory modifications from initial concept through startup.
• Practical working knowledge of cGMP standards, validation protocols (Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, Performance Qualification), and EOHS/OSHA safety regulations.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or related products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with capital budget tracking software such as SAP.
• Active Project Management Professional certification.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed automated packaging, hygienic design, or liquid processing systems.
• Experience managing external engineering firms and construction contractors on active production floors.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic life insurance and paid parental leave.
• Disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility requirements).
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days and 13 paid holidays (prorated based on hire date).
• Paid sick leave adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.

Pay

Salary Range: $96,800.00 – $137,000.00 USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Relocation assistance offered within the country.