Project Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob SummaryThe Project Engineer is responsible for leading new product introduction (NPI), tooling development, manufacturing launch activities, and customer-driven engineering projects from concept through production. This position serves as the primary liaison between customers, suppliers, engineering, quality, purchasing, tooling, and manufacturing teams to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer and company requirements.The Project Engineer manages project timelines, technical deliverables, tooling activities, risk mitigation plans, and launch readiness while driving continuous improvement, cost reduction, quality performance, and operational excellence initiatives. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOther duties may be assigned as business needs require. Project ManagementLead projects through all phases of development, including quotation support, planning, design review, tooling development, validation, launch, and production release.Develop and maintain project timelines, Gantt charts, budgets, milestones, and resource plans.Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure project objectives are achieved on time and within budget.Monitor project performance and communicate status, risks, opportunities, and recovery plans to management and customers.Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while developing contingency plans to minimize project impact.Manage engineering changes and scope modifications through established change management processes.Track and report key project performance indicators (KPIs), including timing, budget, quality, launch readiness, and customer satisfaction metrics.Facilitate project review meetings and provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders.Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and company requirements.Customer & Supplier SupportServe as the primary technical contact for customers throughout project execution.Lead customer design reviews, launch meetings, and project status reviews.Coordinate with tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, and service providers to ensure project requirements are met.Review supplier quotations and assist with sourcing decisions related to tooling, equipment, and manufacturing requirements.Support customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.Travel to customer and supplier locations as necessary to support project and launch activities.Engineering & Manufacturing LaunchLead new product introduction (NPI) activities from concept through production implementation.Coordinate tooling design, tool build timing, qualification, and production readiness activities.Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to support successful product launches.Coordinate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and customer approval requirements.Support prototype, sampling, first-article inspections, validation builds, and process qualification activities.Conduct manufacturing readiness reviews to ensure equipment, tooling, processes, documentation, and personnel are prepared for launch.Ensure manufacturing processes, work instructions, process documentation, and quality controls are complete prior to production release.Work closely with production and quality teams to resolve technical challenges during launch and production ramp-up.Support capacity planning, equipment implementation, and process development initiatives.Assist in the development and implementation of process improvements that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.Quality & Continuous ImprovementLead root cause analysis and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.Support internal and customer corrective action investigations as required.Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.Monitor quality, delivery, and cost performance metrics and implement improvement plans as needed.Identify and implement opportunities for productivity improvements, waste reduction, scrap reduction, and cost savings.Ensure compliance with applicable customer, regulatory, quality, environmental, and company standards.Commercial & Business SupportSupport proposal development, technical feasibility reviews, and project cost estimating activities.Assist Sales and Business Development teams by providing technical guidance and manufacturing expertise.Support program profitability objectives through effective project execution and cost control.Identify opportunities for value engineering, process optimization, and business growth within existing customer accounts.Safety ResponsibilitiesPromote and support a safe work environment through compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations.Participate in safety initiatives and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety.Ensure project activities are planned and executed with safety as a primary consideration.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNo direct reports.Provides technical leadership and project direction to cross-functional teams and project participants.Influences project teams and stakeholders without direct authority to achieve project objectives. QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.Associate degree with significant relevant manufacturing and project management experience may be considered.ExperienceMinimum 3-5 years of Project Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, or related experience within a manufacturing environment.Experience managing multiple concurrent projects through complete product development and launch cycles.Experience supporting new product introductions and manufacturing launches.Experience with plastic injection molding, tooling programs, automation equipment, or related manufacturing processes preferred.Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and customer-specific requirements preferred.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong project management, planning, and organizational skills.Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, and related quality systems.Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling systems, production launches, and process development.Strong understanding of risk assessment, change management, and project controls.Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, customer requirements, and manufacturing standards.Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Demonstrated ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.Ability to effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, production personnel, and executive leadership.Computer SkillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, SAP, IQMS, Plex, or equivalent systems preferred.Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.Ability to analyze project metrics, schedules, budgets, and technical data.Certifications (Preferred)Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.APQP, Quality Core Tools, or related manufacturing certifications preferred.Work EnvironmentCombination of office and manufacturing floor environments.Frequent interaction with production, tooling, quality, customers, and suppliers.Must comply with all company safety policies and procedures.May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while in manufacturing areas.Travel up to 5-10% as required to support customer meetings, supplier visits, tooling validations, audits, and project launch activities.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods of sitting, standing, and working on a computer.Ab