Industrial Engineer

Lead Factory Engineer

Position Summary

The Lead Factory Engineer provides leadership and oversight for factory engineering operations, capital improvement initiatives, and construction-related activities. This role is responsible for driving engineering excellence while supporting a culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, integrity, and teamwork. The position leads capital project execution from concept through startup while ensuring alignment with operational goals, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and model a strong workplace culture built on safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and accountability.
• Direct and oversee all factory engineering functions, including internally managed and externally contracted engineering and construction projects.
• Ensure all engineering activities and project deliverables comply with company standards, insurance requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Lead execution of large-scale capital investment projects and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously as business priorities require.
• Support both short- and long-range planning efforts for factory capital improvements and implement approved strategic initiatives.
• Manage the full project lifecycle including project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, engineering design, contractor bidding, construction oversight, commissioning, and startup.
• Apply engineering expertise and operational knowledge to determine appropriate project methods, allocate resources, and deliver successful outcomes.
• Establish project priorities and effectively coordinate internal teams and external stakeholders to meet schedule and budget objectives.
• Develop project budgets and timelines, monitor performance, and adjust plans as needed to maintain project success.
• Utilize standard contract processes and support contractor and vendor selection activities.
• Partner with procurement and capital purchasing teams by providing technical evaluations, documentation, and recommendations during contractor and equipment negotiations.
• Oversee construction contractor activities on-site and maintain compliance with all safety and operational requirements.
• Support workforce development by identifying training opportunities tied to completed engineering initiatives and operational improvements.
• Mentor and develop engineering interns and co-op students by providing meaningful project experience and evaluating future hiring potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of engineering experience within manufacturing, processing, industrial operations, or heavy construction environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading capital projects, budgeting, and project execution.
• Strong understanding of multiple engineering disciplines and their application in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Proven ability to manage project schedules, budgets, priorities, and cross-functional teams.
• Effective leadership, communication, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships and drive project completion within established objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions.