Engineering Project Manager

Specialized Career Search; Town of Catawba (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Career Search is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to oversee capital projects within a paper manufacturing environment. This role involves planning, coordinating, and executing projects to enhance reliability and performance while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and have at least five years of project management experience in manufacturing, particularly in paper or converting operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering or project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing capital projects in heavy industrial settings.
• Strong working knowledge of paper mill or converting operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and capital projects from concept through commissioning and close-out.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with varying complexity.

Skills

Project planning and execution

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical problem-solving

Vendor and contractor management

Financial acumen and capital discipline

Strong communication and organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field)

Job description

Who We Need:

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing capital and improvement projects within a paper manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, safety, and vendors to deliver projects that improve reliability, capacity, quality, safety, and cost performance—while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Projects may include paper machines, converting equipment, utilities, infrastructure, automation, and sustainability initiatives across one or multiple facilities.

What You Will Do:

Project Management & Execution

• Lead engineering and capital projects from concept through commissioning and close-out
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with varying complexity and capital spend
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to defined performance criteria
• Apply standard project management tools and stage-gate processes

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Coordinate internal engineering, operations, maintenance, and EHS resources
• Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and technical documents
• Support equipment selection, layout, and process improvements for paper and converting operations
• Oversee installation, startup, and commissioning activities

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Select, manage, and evaluate contractors, suppliers, and engineering firms
• Ensure contractor compliance with safety, quality, and site requirements
• Review bids, negotiate contracts, and manage change orders

Safety, Environmental & Compliance

• Ensure all projects comply with OSHA, environmental, and mill safety standards
• Incorporate safety-by-design and sustainability considerations into projects
• Support environmental compliance and energy-reduction initiatives

Financial & Reporting

• Develop capital justification requests and ROI analyses
• Track project costs, forecasts, and capital spending
• Provide regular project updates to plant and corporate leadership

Qualifications

What You Will Need:

Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field)
• 5+ years of engineering or project management experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing capital projects in heavy industrial settings
• Strong working knowledge of paper mill or converting operations preferred
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams

Nice to Have:

• Experience in pulp & paper, packaging, tissue, or paperboard manufacturing
• PMP certification or formal project management training
• Knowledge of paper machines, converting equipment, utilities, or automation systems
• Experience supporting multi-plant operations

Key Competencies

• Project planning and execution
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Technical problem-solving
• Vendor and contractor management
• Financial acumen and capital discipline
• Strong communication and organizational skills