Plant Project Engineer

kaisercareers; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum seeks a Plant Project Engineer to plan, coordinate and execute engineering projects in a heavy industrial facility in Newark, OH. You will supervise contractors, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and liaise between management, contractors, and operations teams.

Requirements include 5+ years in project engineering, a relevant engineering degree, strong communication, and proficiency in CMMS and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, or related discipline).
• 5+ years of project engineering experience in heavy industrial, manufacturing, or metal facilities.
• Knowledge of industrial equipment, systems, and construction practices.
• Maintenance experience in machining, fabrication, pipe fitting, mobile equipment, and electrical.
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maximo CMMS preferred; familiarity with funding documentation.
• Strong PC skills (Windows, Word, Excel, AutoCAD) and communication skills.
• Ability to work in teams and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in a Union environment and adaptability to shift schedules.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering projects within a heavy industrial facility.
• Supervise contractors and hourly employees as needed.
• Ensure safety, budget, and regulatory compliance for projects.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, and management teams.
• Transfer project information into operating and maintenance processes.

Skills

Industrial equipment knowledge

Construction practices

Teamwork

Communication skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Maximo CMMS

AutoCAD

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for aPlant Project Engineerto join Kaiser Aluminum Operations in Newark, Ohio!

The Plant Project Engineer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects within a heavy industrial facility. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory and quality standards. The Project Engineer acts as the technical liaison between management, contractors, and operations teams. The individual in this role will report to the Maintenance and Engineering Manager and have responsibility for supervising contractors and hourly employees as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Ensure projects meet environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop detailed project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate engineering design, procurement, and construction activities.
• Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Technical Oversight

• Provide engineering expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil, or process systems.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and vendor documentation.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes, standards, and facility requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and management teams.
• Manage contractors and vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Communicate project status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Transfer and support project information into the operating and maintenance process.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance reliability.
• Support facility upgrades, expansions, and modernization initiatives.

What you will bring to the role:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, or related discipline).
• Five plus (5+) years of experience in project engineering within heavy industrial, manufacturing, or metal facilities.
• Strong knowledge of industrial equipment, systems, and construction practices.
• Heavy to light manufacturing maintenance experience-including machining, fabrication, pipe fitting, mobile equipment, and electrical.
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Centralize Maintenance Management System (CMMS)- Maximo Preferred
• Request for funding documentation.
• Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, Excel, AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in a Union environment.
• Be energetic, disciplined and focused on a team building operational organization.
• Have well developed interpersonal and business partnering skills, with the ability to quickly adapt to, be accepted by, and interrelate with the organization at all levels.
• Is able to maintain a high level of output without sacrificing quality of work.
• Be able to adapt and respond effectively to changing priorities in an intense manufacturing environment.
• Is steadily improving the department’s contribution to the organization
• Be willing to work flexible hours, afternoons, nights, weekends, as needed for project schedule. Approximately 60% of the job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. 40% of the job function is required in the plant. There is exposure to hot metal, operating machinery and a manufacturing environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum:

Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.

No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening