Project Engineer

Project EngineerThis Project Engineer role focuses on developing and optimizing operating process plans for machining and assembling parts within the Powertrain department. You will lead the planning, procurement, installation, trial, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines, while managing schedules and budgets for your assigned area. The position combines hands-on work on the production floor with cross-functional collaboration to improve manufacturing processes, tools, and standards.Responsibilities:Develop operating process plans to machine and assemble parts for the assigned area of the Powertrain department.Lead the planning, procurement, installation, trial, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines.Create, manage, and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets for the assigned area.Develop and improve standard tools, benchmarks, and methodologies to support manufacturing and process engineering activities.Lead and participate in cross-functional working groups across local facilities and corporate departments to achieve project goals.Visualize activity plans and schedules in a clear, structured way to facilitate quick consensus-building and secure project priorities.Analyze critical manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop effective countermeasure plans.Communicate root causes, countermeasures, and project status clearly and proactively to stakeholders.Apply production engineering and project management principles to ensure successful implementation of machining and assembly processes.Use CAD software, including AutoCAD and 3D CAD tools, to read, interpret, and modify designs and layouts related to manufacturing processes.Drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes using lean manufacturing and process improvement methodologies.Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing engineering teams to support mechanical design and process engineering requirements.Spend approximately 20% of time on the production floor to observe operations, validate processes, and support implementation activities.Work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally, to support project launches and manufacturing activities.Support weekend and shutdown work periods, such as July and December holidays, when necessary to meet project timelines and production goals.Essential Skills:Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent college-level engineering education.3–5 years of post-college experience in process engineering, production engineering, or project engineering in a manufacturing environment.Experience in process engineering, including schedule and budget management for manufacturing projects.Hands-on experience with machining processes and assembly processes, particularly in automotive or powertrain-related manufacturing.Demonstrated project management experience, including project scheduling, planning, and execution.Proficiency with CAD software, including AutoCAD, with the ability to read, interpret, and modify engineering drawings.Experience with 3D CAD tools, with the ability to read and interpret 3D models for manufacturing and process planning.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical engineering principles.Experience in manufacturing engineering and mechanical design within an automotive or similar industrial environment.Ability to analyze manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop practical countermeasures.Ability to work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally.Flexibility for business travel, both domestic and international, up to approximately 20%.Ability to work 45–50 hours per week on average, including some weekend and shutdown periods when required.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience in project engineering within the automotive industry or a comparable high-volume manufacturing environment.Background in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.Strong skills in visualizing and presenting activity plans and schedules to support consensus-building and decision-making.Comfort working in cross-functional teams across local facilities and corporate departments.Ability to balance hands-on floor work with office-based planning and analysis.Interest in long-term, stable project work with extensive opportunities to learn and grow in manufacturing and engineering.Willingness to travel domestically and, on occasion, internationally (including potential travel to Japan, though this is expected to be limited).Job Type & Location:This is a Contract position based out of Buffalo, WV.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $46.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo, WV.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.