NA Project Engineer

Weiler Abrasives Group; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Weiler Abrasives Group is seeking a senior manufacturing engineer to lead capital projects and drive process improvements across high-volume operations. You will plan and manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets, coordinating with suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure on-time startup and validation.

The role emphasizes Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, with responsibilities spanning process design, equipment readiness, andDocumentation to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8–10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing/industrialization/process engineering.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing improvements preferred.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and process documentation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital investment and manufacturing improvement projects from scope through implementation and closure.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource needs.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, and manufacturing teams.
• Monitor project performance against timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Manage equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and startup activities.
• Prepare project documentation, reports, and leadership presentations.
• Support new product introductions and production transfers between facilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Support readiness for new equipment and processes including commissioning and training.
• Analyze workflows to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to improve uptime and stability.
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Support process validation, capability studies, and root cause investigations.
• Assist with facility expansions and capacity planning.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focusing on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost reduction.

Skills

Project management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Essential job functions and 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.