NA Project Engineer

Essential job functions and responsibilities:

Engineering Project Management

• Lead capital investment and manufacturing improvement projects from scope development through implementation and project closure.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, consultants, and manufacturing teams.
• Monitor project performance against timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Manage equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and production startup activities.
• Prepare project documentation, reports, and presentations for leadership review.
• Support new product introductions and production transfers between facilities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Manufacturing of Processes

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Support manufacturing readiness for new equipment and production processes, including commissioning, validation, operator training, and production startup.
• Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Evaluate manufacturing equipment, tooling, automation systems, and technologies.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to improve equipment's uptime and process stability.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Support process validation, capability studies, and root cause investigations.
• Assist with facility expansions, plant layout changes, and capacity planning initiatives.
• Implement manufacturing best practices aligned with Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence principles.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 6S, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support value stream mapping and process optimization activities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and environmental regulations.
• Participate in risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and management of change activities.
• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to resolve product and process-related issues to deliver top level customer service.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, operations, industrialization, process engineering, or project engineering.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing process improvements preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and industrial equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering software preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and process improvement tools preferred.

Physical Demand and Work Environment:

• This position requires an onsite presence to both floor and office environments. This role also requires extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, analyzing data, and participating in meetings (virtual and in-person).
• Moderate visits to operational areas may occur for alignment discussions or process understanding
• When operational visits occur, must be able to use basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection or safety shoes.
• The role may require limited domestic or international travel to support alignment on upcoming projects or initiatives.