Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer will lead a new product launch onsite at a major automotive customer, managing the project from concept through production launch. This role focuses on project management, design-for-manufacturability oversight, and development of comprehensive quality plans for plastic injection and blow molded components in an automotive environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire project lifecycle from initial design handoff through production launch, ensuring timing, quality, and cost targets are met.

• Act as the primary onsite engineering contact at the customer facility, representing the internal engineering and project teams.

• Oversee the design-for-manufacturability process, reviewing designs at a high level to ensure they are suitable for plastic injection molding and blow molding.

• Create and maintain detailed quality plans for each part, including FMEAs, control plans, work instructions, work cell layouts, and PPAP documentation.

• Develop and update PFMEAs and related risk assessments in collaboration with customer and internal engineering teams.

• Prepare and manage PPAP submissions to meet automotive customer requirements and timelines.

• Use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools to develop Gantt charts, flow charts, and project tracking documents.

• Coordinate and lead weekly project management meetings, providing clear updates on status, risks, and action items.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including quality, manufacturing, design, sales, maintenance, and customer service, to resolve issues and keep the project on schedule.

• Manage engineering change orders and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support troubleshooting and problem-solving activities related to plastic injection and blow molded parts during development and launch.

• Ensure that work cell layouts and work instructions align with safety, quality, and efficiency objectives.

• Communicate project progress, risks, and mitigation plans effectively to both customer and internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• 4+ years of experience as a Project Engineer or Project Manager.

• 4+ years of experience managing projects from design through launch.

• 4+ years of experience creating quality plans, including FMEAs, control plans, work instructions, work cell layouts, and PPAPs.

• 4+ years of experience working in the automotive industry.

• 4+ years of experience with plastic injection molding, plastics manufacturing, and blow molding processes.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and timelines.

• High-level understanding of mechanical design and design for manufacturability, particularly for plastics and injection molds.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint, for creating Gantt charts, flow charts, and project documentation.

• Ability to develop and manage FMEA and PFMEA documentation.

• Experience preparing and managing PPAP submissions for automotive customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with SolidWorks or similar mechanical design software.

• Experience in mechanical engineering and mechanical design for plastic components.

• Familiarity with injection blow molding and related tooling concepts.

• Experience handling engineering change orders and project coordination in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and customer representatives.

• Proven ability to independently spearhead and drive projects to completion.

• Interest in opportunities that may extend beyond the initial contract or convert to a permanent role.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite at the customer’s automotive facility, working closely with customer teams on a day-to-day basis. The environment is a combination of office and manufacturing floor, interacting frequently with production, quality, and maintenance personnel. Standard business hours typically apply, with weekly project management meetings and regular cross-functional collaboration. The position uses standard office technology, including Microsoft Office tools and engineering documentation systems, and involves working around plastic injection molding and blow molding operations in an automotive manufacturing setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $43.27/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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 click.appcast.io 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.