Project Engineer

Actalent is seeking an Industrialization Project Engineer to lead and support the successful industrialization of new products, processes, and equipment into a manufacturing environment.

About the role

This role manages projects from concept through full production, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality, safety, and performance requirements. The position offers the opportunity to own a new project from start to finish, driving full-cycle implementation of industrialization initiatives in a manufacturing environment that produces high-temperature clay and cement-based refractory products used in steel and foundry applications.

The Industrialization Project Engineer will report to the Engineering Project Director and requires frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, quality, supply chain, maintenance, suppliers, and contractors. The role is primarily onsite in Wurtland, KY, with an expectation of being on location five days a week and working a typical 8-hour shift, with some flexibility depending on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrialization projects from initial concept through full-scale production, ensuring a seamless transfer of new products and technologies into manufacturing.
• Define project scope, objectives, timelines, and resource plans, coordinating activities across engineering, production, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Manage the design, installation, validation, and ramp-up of new and modified manufacturing equipment.
• Ensure all industrialization activities comply with safety, quality, and environmental standards at every project stage.
• Monitor and report project progress, risks, and key performance indicators to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop manufacturing process layouts, work instructions, and control plans to support the introduction of new products into production.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure new products are manufacturable and scalable for production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Lead process validation and qualification activities, including IQ, OQ, and PQ, for new or modified equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve production issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation and support training for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Partner with Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth project handover and long-term sustainability of industrialized processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to manage tooling, equipment, and technical deliverables.
• Contribute to strategic industrialization initiatives that support plant growth, modernization, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in industrialization, process engineering, or project management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with equipment installation, process validation, and end-to-end project execution.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and continuous improvement tools.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally involving industrial automation and industrial equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency with project management tools for planning, scheduling, and tracking project activities.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel, for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing, lean principles, and lean methodology in a production setting.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or similar structured process improvement approaches.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in a technical and production environment.
• Ability to work with mechanical and industrial equipment in a plant setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in project engineering or project coordination within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Background in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting process development, process optimization, and process validation activities.
• Comfort working with industrial automation systems and related technologies.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and support long-term operational sustainability.
• Self-discipline and ownership mindset to manage a full project lifecycle with minimal supervision.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, contract position based in Wurtland, KY, with an expectation of working five days a week on a typical 8-hour shift. Some flexibility may be required depending on project needs. Travel requirements are minimal to none.