Project Engineer

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!  

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.  

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of five high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South. 

Our Yorkville, Illinois, farm is our largest greenhouse in Illinois, at around 480,000 square feet. With an annual production of around 6 million pounds of leafy greens, BrightFarms is ensuring fresh greens for Chicagoland communities.

Specifically, you will: 

• Manage multiple concurrent onsite engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery of each project’s objectives in collaboration with site leadership and operations teams
• Work hands-on with the greenhouse teams to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities through all project phases, from development and design/engineering to implementation and operational handoff
• Partner closely with site leadership to develop, negotiate, and manage engineering and construction contracts, clearly defining scope, schedule, and cost management requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with onsite teams and corporate teams; including Finance, Maintenance, Health/Safety/Environment, Food Safety and Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering to ensure equipment and engineered solutions are fit for purpose and aligned with operational needs
• Oversee and manage project budgets across multiple initiatives using disciplined project control methods, including building detailed cost estimates and tracking financial performance
• Develop and manage project schedules that align with active onsite operations and production demands, ensuring minimal disruption and safe execution
• Present project plans, progress updates, and results to site leadership, corporate stakeholders, and project sponsors
• Review and approve onsite engineering designs and modifications, ensuring that all enhancements meet performance, safety, and reliability standards
• Lead and hold vendors and contractors accountable onsite for safety, quality, schedule adherence, and performance
• Build and direct a cross-functional onsite project team, including vendors, contractors, and engineers, to drive collaboration and alignment on project goals
• Ensure smooth equipment and process handover to operations, supporting commissioning, training, and startup activities
• Administer all purchasing and procurement processes onsite, including bid documentation, contractor selection, purchase order management, and cost tracking
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with the company’s strategic goals
• Contribute to the development of site engineering standards, including construction methods, materials, and standardized equipment or process designs

The ideal candidate: 

• Mech/Chem/Industrial engineering degree
• 5 years practical, hands-on experience supporting a 24/7 operation on site in a food manufacturing, manufacturing or Ag facility
• Demonstrated success with directly managing multiple simultaneous projects and vendors to execute and complete small-mid size Capital projects
• This position is a full-time role-on site at our IL location. The candidate selected must live within a daily commutable distance or relocate to a daily commutable distance
• Must be available and present onsite for 24/7 support including overnight shifts and weekends
• Must be able to travel to other sites as needed 

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.