AFMW - Project Engineer

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC is looking for a Project Engineer to manage engineering projects and ensure high-quality casting production. This role connects various departments and requires a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or a related field along with 3+ years of foundry experience. Candidates should be proficient in CAD software, possess strong problem-solving skills, and have a solid understanding of metal casting processes. The position is based in Pennsylvania and offers a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years foundry operations experience.
• Hands-on experience with molding systems, induction melting, and alloy solidification.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing for pattern creation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Design, implement, and refine casting processes.

Skills

Knowledge of metal casting processes

Critical Thinking

Effective communication

Problem-solving skills

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software and simulation tools (e.g., MAGMASOFT, ProCAST)

Job description

Description

DEFINITION

The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects that support the production of high-quality castings using both sand molding and investment casting processes. This role serves as a technical bridge between engineering, tooling, metallurgy, manufacturing, quality, and customers, ensuring that new product introductions, process improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives are delivered successfully.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the VP of Engineering.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position will not have any direct reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

NOTE: An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed.

• Work in a safe manner with a goal of zero harm.
• Create safety awareness by actively observing, auditing, and coaching safe work behaviors and conditions.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and regulations.
• Design, implement, and refine casting processes for various alloys.
• Develop gating and riser systems to ensure sound castings with minimal defects.
• Establish and maintain process parameters throughout the foundry operation.
• Monitor and analyze casting defects; implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Support metallurgical evaluations and non‑destructive testing (NDT) requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to foundry operators and technicians.
• Maintain accurate process documentation, work instructions, and quality records.
• Aid in formulating quotes for new projects.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and cross‑functional communication with customers and suppliers.
• Engage with customers and suppliers as needed.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results, as needed.
• Coordinate with department heads and supervisors in resolving production planning and control issues, as needed.
• Communicate project status and progress on a timely basis.
• Prioritize projects and coordinate activities with other departments and organizations within and outside the organization.
• Ensure proper execution of policies and procedures within areas of responsibility.
• Must have good attendance and be reliable.
• This position will also help support similar engineering functions at the investment casting facility.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of metal casting processes and other manufacturing processes such as welding, melting and finishing operations.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and senior managers, as well as employees.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and secure information from established data processing, spreadsheet, word processing, database and graphics programs.
• Ability to express ideas and communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years foundry operations experience.
• Hands‑on experience with molding systems, induction melting, and alloy solidification.
• Proficiency in CAD software and simulation tools (e.g., MAGMASOFT, ProCAST).
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing for pattern creation.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before employees in the organization, communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and leadership throughout the organization.
• The ability to manage schedules, consider resources, and communicate these needs effectively throughout the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with known limitations or disabilities to perform the essential functions related to physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear, ascend and descend stairs, ramps, etc., use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to one hundred (100) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.