Project Engineering Manager

The Project Engineering Manager leads Marlen's project engineering and new product development efforts, managing a team of mechanical engineers responsible for designing innovative equipment and systems that meet customer, quality, and business requirements.

This role oversees custom engineering projects from concept through implementation, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates closely with Sales, Service, Operations, Manufacturing, and Product Management to ensure successful project execution. The Project Engineering Manager also champions engineering best practices, process standardization, and project management excellence while supporting strategic growth initiatives, including new product introductions, technology transfers, and acquisition integration activities.

What You Will Do:

Engineering Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance support.
• Assign resources and manage engineering workloads to ensure project priorities, schedules, and deliverables are achieved.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Support employee development through training, mentoring, and succession planning initiatives.

Project & Product Development Management

• Lead custom engineering projects across all product lines, ensuring execution within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Manage New Product Development (NPD) initiatives across all Marlen business units.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project requirements, timelines, risks, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identify challenges, and implement solutions to ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop and maintain project management processes, tools, and performance metrics.

Technical Leadership & Design Oversight

• Provide technical direction for the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Review engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for accuracy, completeness, manufacturability, and technical feasibility.
• Develop and oversee testing and validation procedures for new products, product enhancements, and machine upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and engineering best practices.

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering processes, design standards, and product performance.
• Establish and maintain standards for order processing, scope review, engineering documentation, and project tracking.
• Coordinate communication and project execution between Engineering, Sales, Service, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Operations.
• Provide regular project status updates and communicate key milestones, risks, and resource requirements.

Strategic Initiatives

• Support engineering activities associated with business acquisitions, product integrations, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to standardize designs, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality across the portfolio.
• Participate in long-term technology and product roadmap planning.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or related industries.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership or people management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience in project estimation, design support, and pre-sales engineering activities preferred.

Technical Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design knowledge and engineering problem-solving capabilities.
• Extensive CAD and solid modeling experience, preferably with Creo, SolidWorks, AutoCAD Inventor, or similar platforms.
• Experience designing stainless steel equipment for sanitary food processing applications, including machined components, sheet metal, and welded assemblies, preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication processes, including machining, welding, assembly, and metal fabrication.
• Familiarity with ANSI, ISO, and applicable industry standards.
• Working knowledge of control systems and automation concepts sufficient to effectively communicate design intent and system requirements.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Infor SyteLine, preferred.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

As a Duravant Family Company, Marlen participates in global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, as well as Doing Good initiatives to support our communities. In addition to a culture that promotes long term career satisfaction, with opportunities for personal and professional growth, Marlen offers an excellent total rewards package that includes:

Compensation: We offer competitive compensation

Benefits: We have comprehensive benefit packages designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security

Development: We have education and training programs which include an educational assistance program

Time Off: We offer paid holidays and paid time off

Driven Team Members: We have a cross-functional, collaborative environment, focused on delivering results

Core Values: Do What’s Right; Champion Customer Success; Respond Fast, Deliver Faster; Work Together, Win Together; Ignite What’s Next Culture: We are driven by our number one asset - our employees, and their successes

Doing Good: We love to be active members of our community! We have several volunteer opportunities throughout the year.