Senior Project Engineer

Job Title: Senior Project Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Project Engineer leads the design, analysis, and troubleshooting of heavy industrial rotary equipment systems from concept through installation and startup. This role provides technical leadership to designers and field service technicians, serves as a key technical resource for internal teams and customers, and ensures that complex mechanical systems operate reliably and efficiently. The position combines hands-on engineering with project leadership, customer interaction, and frequent field work.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design, analysis, and continuous improvement projects for heavy industrial equipment and rotating machinery.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform detailed root cause and failure analysis, and develop effective corrective solutions.

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and direction to designers, field service technicians, and other engineering staff.

• Develop, review, and approve 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using AutoCAD 3D and other CAD software.

• Support and participate in field inspections, measurements, equipment installations, and commissioning activities.

• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates clearly to customers, field personnel, and cross-functional internal teams.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, fabrication, and sales teams to ensure successful and timely project execution.

• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, maintaining quality, safety, and schedule expectations.

• Travel 30%-50% to customer sites to support inspections, troubleshooting, installation, and startup activities as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Multiple years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy industrial equipment, rotating machinery, or similar environments.

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting, failure analysis, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD 3D and other 3D CAD design software.

• Experience leading designers, technicians, or engineering teams in a project environment.

• Strong project engineering and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, field personnel, and leadership.

• Hands-on experience with mechanical design and mechanical engineering in industrial applications.

• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for complex mechanical issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with kilns, dryers, conveyors, pressure vessels, or other heavy industrial process equipment.

• Knowledge of applicable industrial codes, finite element analysis (FEA), and industrial field measurement practices.

• Experience in equipment installation, commissioning, or field service operations.

• Proficiency with additional CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor.

• Strong communication and people skills with a customer-centric mindset.

• Experience working on heavy industrial equipment and rotating machinery in field and shop environments.

Work Environment

The role operates within a small, collaborative engineering team in a company that emphasizes a customer-centric mindset and a commitment to getting work done correctly the first time. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to start earlier or later as needed, and the position is structured as a 40-hour workweek with limited overtime. The work environment includes a mix of office-based design and documentation work using AutoCAD 3D and other CAD tools, along with regular field visits to customer sites for inspections, measurements, installations, and commissioning. Travel is required approximately 30%-50% of the time, typically in 2-3 day trips and occasionally 4-5 day trips, with no weekend travel expected; a daily per diem is provided during travel and expenses are reimbursed. The dress code is business casual to casual, reflecting a practical, hands-on engineering culture. Performance bonuses are available, and the organization promotes a supportive environment where collaboration, quality, and customer satisfaction are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $58.00/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 Louisville,KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 2, 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.