Project Engineer (Manager)

About the role

This role oversees engineering projects from concept through completion, including planning, scheduling, application engineering, procurement, field installation, start-up, documentation, and close-out. The Project Engineer ensures projects are executed effectively, meet technical and quality requirements, and stay within budgeted costs while supporting a manufacturing environment and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and direct assigned engineering projects from initiation through completion.
• Apply engineering principles to define project scope, technical requirements, and deliverables.
• Coordinate procurement of equipment, materials, and services required to execute projects.
• Oversee and support field installation activities to ensure compliance with design specifications and standards.
• Lead and support equipment start-up, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and organize project documentation, including drawings, schematics, and technical records, and ensure proper project close-out.
• Monitor project progress, control costs, and ensure projects are completed within budgeted cost and agreed timelines.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, downtime, or stoppages and drive effective corrective actions.
• Interpret and use technical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, layouts, and data sheets to support design, installation, and problem-solving.
• Create and update 2D CAD drawings, ensuring accuracy and alignment with engineering standards.
• Collaborate with technical staff and management to communicate project status, technical issues, and solutions clearly and effectively.
• Lead and facilitate project teams, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and resolve project-related conflicts, using strong analytical and conflict resolution skills.
• Support automation initiatives and integration of new equipment or processes within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field of study strongly preferred, or equivalent suitable experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management experience in a technical environment.
• Extensive engineering knowledge with a basic electrical experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical wiring diagrams and prints.
• Ability to understand and interpret technical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, layouts, and data sheets.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, downtime, and stoppages.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve problems and identify effective solutions.
• Solid conflict resolution skills to manage and resolve project and team-related issues.
• Solid team leadership, team building, and facilitation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and share technical information effectively with technical staff and management.
• Experience with CAD software and the ability to create and update AutoCAD 2D drawings.

Skills

• Experience as a Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or similar engineering role in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with automation projects or automated equipment integration.
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics and CAD drawings in an industrial context.
• SolidWorks experience is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with plastics processes is a plus.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00 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
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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 Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Gurnee, IL.