Project Engineer (Manager)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: Project Engineer

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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gurnee, IL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.

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 & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Gurnee,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.