Project Engineer

Project Engineers provide technical leadership and project ownership from concept through implementation, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing risks, driving schedules, and ensuring successful project execution. Projects include Special Cooler Requests, New Product Development, part design including but not limited to sheet metal, plastic extrusion & injection mold, die cast, and precision machining; manufacturing and process improvements, and serviceability. In addition to design work, Project Engineers complete a variety of engineering project work that includes capital equipment specification and acquisitions that enhance our vertical integration strategy and improve the efficiency of our production areas. The Project Engineer will conceptualize new product ideas, develop engineering designs, create and evaluate prototypes, establish project schedules and resource plans, forecast project needs, and manage and implement technical activities to ensure project accuracy and quality from project conception to completion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead production design, capital improvement, new product development, and update existing design projects from concept through implementation (budget, schedule, plan, personnel, reports, etc.) for both internal and external customers.
• Manage cross-functional teams (internally and externally) to design, develop, and launch products; troubleshoot, and resolve issues to ensure on-time project completion while staying within budget and meeting market needs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, ergonomics, cost-performance, and manufacturability.
• Communicate and generate reports about project status, risks, technical decisions, resource requirements, implementation plans, and results for all levels within organization, including department manager.
• Create engineering documents including product drawings, bill of materials, engineering change request, quality standards, work instructions, and cost analysis.
• Oversee design (2D Cad), installation, and startup design of sub-assembly and assembly lines.
• Demonstrate understanding of manufacturing processes and design including sheet metal, extrusion and injection molding, die cast, precision machining, stamping and progressive dies, tooling & fixtures, laser engraving, and rapid prototyping.
• Analyze data on manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to implement lean principles, improve safety, ergonomics, quality, productivity and production flexibility.
• Research supplier products, capital equipment, and manufacturing processes to support vertical integration strategies and perform return on investment calculations.
• Collaborate with troubleshooting group to provide technical support to various dept. including service, sales, warranty, and other production groups.
• Maintain a regular presence in production areas to observe manufacturing processes, troubleshoot issues, gather team member feedback, validate engineering solutions, and support successful implementation.
• Willingness to mentor co-op and interns by providing technical guidance, engineering principals, opportunities to grow their professional development.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented professional capable of working independently, developing action plans, and delivering results with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and management skills resulting in the ability to handle and plan multiple projects simultaneously.
• Innovative problem solver with strong mechanical aptitude and a continuous improvement mindset focused on identifying, developing, and implementing creative and effective solutions.
• Effective communicator and team player who fosters positive working relationships through professionalism, collaboration, and integrity.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (approximately 5% or less).
• The Project Engineer is an office-based role. Regular, predictable on-site attendance is required to maintain a consistent on-site presence to support and respond to day-to-day business needs and maintain a real-time collaboration. Eligibility for up to one (1) remote workday per week may be permitted, subject to business needs and departmental guidelines.
• Perform core job responsibilities through regular in-person collaboration, including participation in meetings, team discussions, and cross-functional coordination.
• Collaborate with fellow team members and leadership in a shared work environment to support innovation and timely decision-making, problem-solving, and operational effectiveness.
• Meet regularly with manager in-person to align on workload, priorities, performance, and ongoing professional development.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar field required.
• No prior full-time experience required.
• Co-op or intern experience in manufacturing preferred.
• SolidWorks or other 3D Drafting experience preferred.

The hours for this position are 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company-paid background check required upon hire.