The Capital Projects Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and executing engineering and capital investment projects within a large-scale manufacturing environment. This role provides leadership for facility expansions, equipment installations, process improvements, and infrastructure upgrades while ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. The position partners closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, EHS, and executive leadership to support strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all phases of capital projects from concept development through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.
- Manage facility expansion and capacity growth initiatives to support long-term business objectives.
- Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans for engineering and capital improvement projects.
- Oversee the procurement, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment, process systems, and facility infrastructure.
- Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by providing engineering leadership and technical problem-solving.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage external engineering firms, contractors, equipment suppliers, and construction teams.
- Monitor project costs, schedules, risks, and key performance indicators to ensure successful project execution.
- Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for reliability, productivity, and process improvements.
- Lead cross-functional project teams and provide direction, coaching, and development for engineering personnel.
- Participate in capital planning and portfolio prioritization activities to align investments with business strategy.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement industry best practices across engineering and manufacturing operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing large capital projects, facility expansions, and equipment installations.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and external service providers.
- Strong knowledge of project management principles, budgeting, cost control, scheduling, and risk management.
- Solid understanding of industrial safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong technical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of engineering management or leadership experience.
- Professional Engineer (PE), PMP, or equivalent certification.
- Experience in metals, steel, specialty alloys, mining, chemical processing, paper, cement, or other heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading projects involving process improvements, automation, modernization, or plant expansions.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering, maintenance systems, and operational excellence methodologies.
- MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineering leader with extensive experience delivering large-scale capital projects in heavy industrial manufacturing. They possess strong technical expertise, business acumen, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams while balancing safety, operational performance, and financial objectives. They thrive in plant environments, enjoy solving complex technical challenges, and have a proven track record of successfully executing projects that improve manufacturing capability and capacity.