Lead Project Engineer

The Lanco Group; Hazel Crest (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in heavy equipment manufacturing seeks a Lead Project Engineer to oversee engineering programs from concept to completion. The role involves project planning, team leadership, and ensuring quality and innovation in product delivery. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a background in mechanical or industrial engineering, with a focus on project management and cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in a technical capacity.
• 5+ years of experience working with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts across multiple systems and departments.
• Establish and manage project plans using the Lanco Development Process.
• Deliver weekly project updates and track KPIs.

Skills

Communication

Project Leadership

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead Project Engineer- MJP

We are looking for TWO experienced and driven project engineers to work within the Mi-Jack RTG Product engineering team!

Description

Who we are:

The most complete lifting company in the world, Lanco represents four iconic, world-class heavy equipment manufacturers, mobile crane dealerships across US and Canada, the largest parts and service network in North America, and factory-authorized technician training. In this role, you will support Mi-Jack Products, Inc. Established in 1954, Mi-Jack Products is recognized as an industry leader and innovator in Travelift and Translift Rubber Tired Gantry crane manufacturing, sales, service, and support. Mi-Jack is also the industry leader in providing maintenance services, inspections, repairs and parts for the railroad, port and industrial equipment end-users. By designing and engineering maintainable solutions that can integrate into daily operations without missing a beat, we provide our customers with reliable, safe, and efficient solutions. From the engineering department to the manufacturing floor, we are committed to providing a superior product and an unsurpassed customer experience.

https://www.thelancogroup.com/our_services/material-handling/

https://www.mi-jack.com

Position Overview:

As a Lead Project Engineer, you will take ownership of engineering programs from concept to completion, coordinating project plans, technical deliverables, and cross-functional communication to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery. This role focuses on strategic project execution, team alignment, and effective reporting while upholding Lanco’s standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration.

You’ll lead engineering efforts across multiple systems and departments, working closely with design, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams to deliver products that exceed performance expectations. This role combines project leadership, engineering coordination, and technical communication in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:

• Project Planning & Execution: Establish and manage the project plan, using the Lanco Development Process (LDP) to guide successful program execution from kickoff through delivery.
• Team Leadership: Structure and lead cross-functional project teams, clearly communicating objectives, deliverables, and status updates. Act as the key liaison between engineering, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop and maintain detailed budgets and forecasts, including labor, materials, and outsourced services. Justify resources and align spending with project goals.
• Technical Oversight: Define and coordinate project requirements in partnership with the Chief Engineer. Guide performance and functionality improvements across system designs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, engineering, and customers to align machine system requirements and ensure end-user satisfaction. Facilitate compatibility across subsystems.
• Industry Awareness: Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in machinery and engineering through continued professional development and industry engagement.
• Communication & Reporting: Deliver weekly project updates, track KPIs, and communicate risks and milestones to the Chief Engineer and cross-functional leadership.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance in all safety, health, and environmental regulations, policies, and procedures for a goal of zero incidents and injuries
• Communicate consistently on all activities to appropriate individuals (both internal and external)
• Maintain ongoing communication and adhere to all Companywide policies to eliminate and/or reduce exposure to liability
• Special projects or work as assigned

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What We’re Looking For:

A detail-oriented and results-driven engineering leader with strong project management instincts and a collaborative approach. You should be able to manage multiple complex development efforts while motivating cross-functional teams toward shared success.

• Strong communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to align internal teams and manage external partners.
• Project leadership mindset: Confident in setting clear goals, managing competing priorities, and holding teams accountable to timelines and budgets.
• Industry understanding: Working knowledge of machine systems and mechanical development processes, with the ability to align technical objectives with product goals.
• Tools & systems experience: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and expert in project scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or similar platforms.
• Problem-solver & influencer: Skilled in resolving challenges, influencing outcomes, and maintaining project momentum.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Structural, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a technical capacity
• 5+ years of experience working with and coordinating cross-functional teams
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (U.S. Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee)

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 10+ years of engineering experience, including proven success in leading full lifecycle projects
• PMP or CPAM-PMI certification highly preferred

Work Environment:

This is primarily a sedentary office classification and employees work in an office with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances

Minimal travel required- up to 10% domestic and international travel requirements.

Location: Hazel Crest, IL

Physical Demands:

The position occasionally bends, stoops, reaches, pushes and pulls drawers to retrieve and file information and lifts and carries reports, records, and other materials that typically weigh less than 30 pounds

Compensation/Benefits:

We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The base pay range for this role is $80,000 to $120,000. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Lanco is an equal opportunity employer. All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training and development opportunities, etc., are made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.