NA Project Engineer

Weiler Abrasives Group; Cresco (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Weiler Abrasives Group in Cresco, IA is seeking an experienced Engineering Project Manager to lead capital investment and manufacturing improvement projects from scope through closure. You will develop plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource requirements while coordinating suppliers, contractors, and manufacturing teams onsite.

The role emphasizes Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement, with responsibility for process design, validation, SOPs, and ensuring safety,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, operations, industrialization, process engineering, or project engineering.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing process improvements preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital investment and manufacturing improvement projects from scope development through implementation and project closure.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, consultants, and manufacturing teams.
• Monitor project performance against timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Manage equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and production startup activities.
• Prepare project documentation, reports, and presentations for leadership review.
• Support new product introductions and production transfers between facilities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Job description

Essential job functions and responsibilities:

Engineering Project Management

• Lead capital investment and manufacturing improvement projects from scope development through implementation and project closure.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, consultants, and manufacturing teams.
• Monitor project performance against timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Manage equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and production startup activities.
• Prepare project documentation, reports, and presentations for leadership review.
• Support new product introductions and production transfers between facilities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Manufacturing of Processes

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.

• Support manufacturing readiness for new equipment and production processes, including commissioning, validation, operator training, and production startup.

• Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Evaluate manufacturing equipment, tooling, automation systems, and technologies.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to improve equipment’s uptime and process stability.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Support process validation, capability studies, and root cause investigations.
• Assist with facility expansions, plant layout changes, and capacity planning initiatives.
• Implement manufacturing best practices aligned with Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence principles.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 6S, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support value stream mapping and process optimization activities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and environmental regulations.
• Participate in risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and management of change activities.
• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to resolve product and process-related issues to deliver top level customer service.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, operations, industrialization, process engineering, or project engineering.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing process improvements preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and industrial equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering software preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and process improvement tools preferred.

Physical Demand and Work Environment:

• This position requires an onsite presence to both floor and office environments. This role also requires extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, analyzing data, and participating in meetings (virtual and in-person).
• Moderate visits to operational areas may occur for alignment discussions or process understanding
• When operational visits occur, must be able to use basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection or safety shoes.
• The role may require limited domestic or international travel to support alignment on upcoming projects or initiatives.