Sr. Project Engineer (Automation)

Automation Project Engineer Chicago, IL (Ravenswood) | Contract Through Q1 2027 | $60-$70/hr Are you the type of engineer who enjoys seeing a project through from concept to production? Do you thrive when coordinating between equipment suppliers, engineering teams, and manufacturing operations to bring complex automation projects to life? We are seeking an Assembly Project Leader to oversee the development, delivery, installation, and startup of a new assembly line supporting medical device production. This is a long‑term contract opportunity through Q1 2027, offering the chance to play a critical role in transforming a manual manufacturing process into a scalable, automated operation. This position will serve as the primary liaison between the equipment OEM, engineering teams, and manufacturing personnel while driving project milestones from equipment design through production ramp‑up. What You'll Be Doing As the Assembly Project Leader, you will be responsible for managing the successful delivery and implementation of a new assembly system with a target production capacity of 300,000 units annually. You will work closely with the selected equipment OEM, internal engineering teams, and manufacturing stakeholders to ensure the equipment meets requirements, remains on schedule, and is successfully transferred into production. This role requires a strong balance of project management, technical understanding, and hands‑on manufacturing support. Key responsibilities include: Managing delivery of the assembly asset in compliance with project requirements and specifications. Serving as the primary point of contact between the company and the equipment OEM. Coordinating with product development, manufacturing, and injection molding teams to manage design revisions and project changes. Reviewing equipment layouts and process flow designs to ensure alignment with production and cleanroom requirements. Supporting development of assembly controls and error‑proofing strategies to reduce improper assembly risks. Driving project schedules, tracking milestones, and communicating status updates to stakeholders. Leading pre‑FAT readiness activities and supporting successful Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). What We're Looking For 5+ years of experience managing automation, assembly, manufacturing, or capital equipment projects. Experience working directly with OEMs, machine builders, systems integrators, or automation suppliers. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment builds, installation activities, and production startup. Ability to troubleshoot and support equipment trials, commissioning, and debugging activities. Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment such as medical device, pharmaceutical, automotive, aerospace, food & beverage, or similar industries is highly preferred. Work Environment This position requires a combination of onsite work at the Chicago (Ravenswood) manufacturing facility, time spent at the OEM's facility in Bartlett, IL during machine development and testing, and limited remote work as project needs allow. This is an immediate need and offers the opportunity to lead a highly visible automation initiative from equipment design through production launch. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sterling Engineering, Inc.