Project Engineer

Pratt Industries has a need for a Project Engineer to support the planning, design, execution, and commissioning of a capital project within its manufacturing operations. This position will be a short term role that serves as a technical leader for electrical, instrumentation, automation, and control system projects, ensuring that projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company standards.

The Project Engineer will work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and equipment suppliers to develop and implement solutions that improve reliability, safety, production efficiency, and overall plant performance.

SCOPE

Responsibilities of this position include leading all phases of electrical and instrumentation projects from concept development through startup and operational handoff. The Project Engineer will oversee engineering design reviews, equipment specification and procurement, contractor selection, construction management, commissioning activities, and project documentation.

This role will provide technical expertise for electrical distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), instrumentation, process controls, PLC systems, variable frequency drives, power distribution equipment, and related industrial infrastructure. The successful candidate will ensure that all project activities meet applicable safety, regulatory, and operational requirements while driving continuous improvement throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

The Project Engineer's primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the execution of electrical and instrumentation capital projects from conception through startup and commissioning.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and resource plans.
• Manage project expenditures and maintain effective cost control throughout project lifecycles.
• Coordinate engineering activities with operations, maintenance, contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Review and approve electrical and instrumentation designs, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Oversee procurement, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and commissioning of project equipment.
• Provide technical leadership for power distribution systems, substations, switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, drives, PLCs, instrumentation, and process control systems.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable electrical codes, industry standards, company policies, and safety requirements.
• Conduct field inspections to verify installation quality and ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, energy efficiency, process performance, and maintainability.
• Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
• Lead startup planning, commissioning activities, and project closeout documentation.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive industrial experience may be considered.
• Minimum of twenty (20) years of experience in industrial electrical systems, instrumentation, and controls.
• Minimum of twenty (20) years of experience managing and executing industrial capital projects.
• Demonstrated experience with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, contractor management, and commissioning activities.
• Extensive experience in heavy industrial, manufacturing, pulp and paper, power generation, or similar process industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Extensive experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms.
• Working knowledge of process instrumentation, control valves, analyzers, and field devices.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in industrial environments.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Strong understanding of electrical safety practices, lockout/tagout procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The candidate must speak and write English at a college level

Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, manuals, regulations, and codes

Ability to write business reports and correspondence

Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, contractors, and employees

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS


The candidate must be able to understand and use simple conversions and algebraic formulas

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, and volume

Able to apply concepts of algebra and geometry along with basic math (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing)

REASONING ABILITY

The candidate must possess advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to analyze complex electrical, instrumentation, automation, and process control systems. Must be capable of developing practical solutions while balancing operational, financial, and safety considerations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of industrial electrical systems and equipment.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, loop drawings, and construction documents.
• Experience with project management methodologies and software tools.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project scheduling software.
• Ability to perform technical evaluations, root cause analyses, and engineering studies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear

Employee is frequently required to stand, climb ladders, bend and kneel

The employee is occasionally required to sit

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

Employee will be measured on:

• Safe execution of assigned projects.
• Achievement of project budget and schedule objectives.
• Successful startup and commissioning of installed systems.
• Reliability and performance improvements resulting from completed projects.
• Effectiveness in managing contractors and project resources.
• Compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support of operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Pratt Industries is America's 4th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.


Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.