Project Engineer

Location
Waukesha,WI

Description

ESC has an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer to support a fast-paced Engineering and Operations team within a dynamic manufacturing environment in Waukesha, WI . This role is ideal for an experienced project engineering professional who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and enjoys leading complex, multi-site capital projects from concept through completion.


The Project Engineer will play a key role in managing large-scale engineering projects across multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with operational goals. This individual will oversee project planning, vendor coordination, capital tracking, engineering support, and cross-functional collaboration while also mentoring junior engineering staff.

Job Description:


Project Management & Capital Execution
• Manage large-scale engineering and capital projects from initiation through implementation across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure successful execution
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and resolve operational issues to minimize delays and maintain project objectives
• Track and report project budgets, timelines, and compliance activities through established reporting tools and processes


Engineering & Technical Support
• Perform technical calculations related to equipment output, conveyor systems, production capacity, and operational efficiency
• Prepare equipment layouts, line flow diagrams, and technical specifications based on production and throughput requirements
• Provide engineering support and facility services for manufacturing operations and capital improvement initiatives
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams and plant leadership to support project execution and operational goals


Vendor & Contractor Management
• Select, coordinate, and manage contractors, vendors, and external resources throughout project execution
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project timelines, quality expectations, and operational requirements
• Partner with Purchasing and other internal teams to support procurement, vendor certification, and capital planning activities


Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
• Collaborate with Operations, Plant Management, Maintenance, Engineering, and other stakeholders across multiple facilities
• Conduct project meetings and provide regular status updates to leadership and project teams
• Set priorities, assign tasks, and coordinate project resources to achieve project milestones
• Mentor and support junior project engineers through coaching, technical guidance, and problem-solving assistance


Continuous Improvement & Operational Support
• Participate in initiatives focused on improving profitability, operational efficiency, and engineering processes
• Support capital forecasting and provide lead-time and cost input for business opportunities and plant initiatives
• Ensure projects align with safety, compliance, and operational standards

Must Have Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of project management or project engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously across multiple sites or facilities
• Experience with vendor coordination, purchasing support, and contractor management
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
• Strong Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project or similar project management software
• Ability to travel overnight up to approximately 50-75% based on project and plant needs

Nice to Have Qualifications:
• Experience supporting manufacturing capital projects or facility expansions
• Familiarity with production equipment, conveyor systems, and manufacturing line layouts
• Experience mentoring or leading junior engineering staff
• Exposure to cost tracking, capital forecasting, or fixed asset compliance
• Experience working in multi-plant manufacturing environments