Pre-Project & Sales Support Engineer

At Tetra Pak we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere; and we protect what's good - protecting food, protecting people, and protecting the planet. By doing so we touch millions of people's lives every day.

And we need people like you to make it happen.

We empower you to reach your potential with opportunities to make an impact to be proud of - for food, people and the planet.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Pre-Project & Sales Support Engineer to join our team in Vernon Hills, IL. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise and analytical skills to support pre-project planning and sales activities. You'll collaborate closely with line managers to help drive performance and contribute to achieving key process and factory KPIs.

This is an office-based position reporting to Tetra Pak's headquarters located in Winsted, MN.

This role requires about 20% travel throughout the United States and Canada.

Tetra Pak is not considering applicants (Internal or External) who require international relocation to the United States.

What you will do

As Pre-Project & Sales Support Engineer you will:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in food industry processing solutions, with a strong preference for experience in dairy, beverage, and prepared foods.
• Provide in-depth commercial and technical support during the pre-project and sales phases, specifically across cheese categories such as semi-hard, fresh, cheddar, and mozzarella.
• Design, dimension, and configure process equipment and solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Contribute to the development of Line Concepts, Design Criteria, Mass Balances, Performance Guarantees, and Production Time Schedules.
• Support the creation of project planning documents, risk assessments, and cost and budget estimates.
• Define line functionality and assist in drafting Technical Descriptions and Process Functional Specifications.
• Prepare engineering and quotation documentation in accordance with Tetra Pak standards and processes.
• Lead or participate in technical discussions with internal Market Operations teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Drive performance, safety, and quality improvements in customer plants by developing competitive solutions based on the Tetra Pak portfolio.
• Lead pre-project processes in a structured and collaborative manner, ensuring effective communication and documentation throughout.
• Represent the company in customer-facing engagements as needed.

We believe you have

• A university degree in Process Engineering, Food Technology, Chemical Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Technology, preferably within the liquid processing industry.
• A results-driven attitude with strong analytical thinking and a talent for identifying common-ground solutions.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygienic design principles, and industry standards, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage tasks efficiently and deliver accurate, timely outcomes.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Pay Equity

Tetra Pak provides the following compensation range that in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.

Ranges are determined by role, level and location. Within the range, individual pay is defined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

This compensation range is based on a full-time schedule. The estimate displayed is just one component of Tetra Pak's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards include overtime, annual performance bonus, competitive benefits, and work-related allowances.

Annual Base Salary Range (ABS): $83,700.00- $131, 500.00.

Short-term Incentive/Bonus (Variable Pay): Eligible to performance incentive of 10% of ABS.

Benefits: 401k company match, paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, company credit card, and much more!

We Offer You

• A variety of exciting challenges with ample opportunities for development and training in a truly global landscape
• A culture that pioneers a spirit of innovation where our industry experts drive visible results
• An equal opportunity employment experience that values diversity and inclusion
• Market competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements

Apply Now

If you are inspired to be part of our promise to protect what's good; for food, people, and the planet, apply through our careers page at https://jobs.tetrapak.com/.

This job posting expires on August 15, 2025.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact Jatwana Calhoun Brown.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is an everyday part of how we work. We give people a place to belong and support to thrive, an environment where everyone can be comfortable being themselves and has equal opportunities to grow and succeed. We embrace difference, celebrate people for who they are, and for the diversity they bring that helps us better understand and connect with our customers and communities worldwide.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.