Industrial Project Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As an Industrial Project Engineer, you are the crucial link between concept and reality on the manufacturing floor. You will be entrusted with the full lifecycle of capital and process improvement projects, from initial feasibility studies and budget creation to equipment installation and final commissioning. This role requires a blend of sharp engineering acumen, strategic project management, and hands-on leadership to drive operational excellence, enhance production capabilities, and ensure the facility remains at the forefront of technology and efficiency. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage external vendors, and be a key decision-maker in shaping the future of our industrial operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Process Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Junior Project Engineer

Advancement To:

Senior Project Manager
Engineering Manager
Plant Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Engineering Manager
Continuous Improvement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the entire lifecycle of capital projects, from initial conception and feasibility analysis through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and final handover.
Develop comprehensive project scopes, detailed timelines, and accurate cost estimates for a variety of industrial projects, including new equipment installation, facility modifications, and automation system upgrades.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams consisting of engineers, maintenance technicians, production personnel, and external contractors to ensure project milestones are met on time and within budget.
Design, specify, and procure new manufacturing machinery and systems, preparing detailed technical specifications and conducting thorough evaluations of vendor proposals and quotes.
Oversee the installation and commissioning of new production lines and equipment, ensuring all systems meet performance, quality, and safety standards before being released to production.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Develop and optimize plant layouts, material flows, and operational workflows to improve productivity, maximize space utilization, and enhance ergonomic safety for all employees.
Create and maintain essential project documentation, including P&IDs, engineering drawings (CAD), technical manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation reports.
Act as the primary technical liaison between the company and external stakeholders, including equipment suppliers, engineering consultants, and construction contractors, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
Manage project budgets with rigorous financial discipline, tracking all expenditures, forecasting costs, and delivering regular, detailed financial reports to senior leadership.
Develop and execute robust risk management plans, proactively identifying potential project roadblocks, technical challenges, and safety hazards, while implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Lead complex troubleshooting efforts for operational and equipment-related issues, conducting in-depth root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing sustainable corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
Plan and coordinate factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) to validate that new equipment and systems meet all functional and business requirements.
Drive automation projects by identifying opportunities for robotics, PLC controls, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve quality, throughput, and safety.
Manage multiple, concurrent projects of varying size and complexity, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.
Conduct time and motion studies to establish accurate production standards, identify operational bottlenecks, and provide data-driven recommendations for process improvements.
Ensure all engineering projects and facility modifications are executed in strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and other relevant industry standards.
Prepare and present compelling business cases and technical presentations to senior management to justify capital investments and gain approval for strategic projects.
Develop comprehensive training programs and materials for operators and maintenance staff on new equipment and revised processes to ensure a smooth and effective operational transition.
Mentor junior engineers and technical staff, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth and technical capabilities.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover new opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
Contribute to the development and refinement of the organization's long-term capital investment strategy and technology roadmap.
Collaborate with business units, including Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance, to translate their needs and challenges into actionable engineering requirements.
Participate actively in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the engineering and project management teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Project Management: Expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution, with proficiency in software like MS Project or Jira. PMP certification is a strong plus.
CAD Software: Proficiency in 2D and 3D design using software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar platforms for facility layouts and equipment design.
Lean & Six Sigma: Demonstrated ability to apply continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, DMAIC) to drive efficiency. Green or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
Process Automation & Controls: Foundational knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA systems, and robotics.
Vendor & Contractor Management: Experience in sourcing, negotiating with, and managing external suppliers and contractors.
Financial Acumen: Strong ability to manage multi-million dollar project budgets, conduct ROI analysis, and perform cost tracking and forecasting.
Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of industrial safety standards, particularly OSHA, and environmental regulations.
ERP Systems: Familiarity with ERP software like SAP or Oracle for asset management and procurement processes.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels without direct authority.
Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to diagnose complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills for managing contracts, procurement, and resolving conflicts.
Stakeholder Management: Adept at building relationships and managing the expectations of internal departments, leadership, and external partners.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and manage competing priorities effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Engineering or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10 years of progressive experience in an engineering or project management role within a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

Preferred:

A proven track record of successfully managing capital projects with budgets exceeding $1M from concept to completion.
Hands-on experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting, such as automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, or pharmaceuticals.