Project Engineer

Actalent; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Disability coverage

Life insurance

4 weeks annual PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Fitness membership reimbursement

Job summary

Actalent in Ames, IA is seeking a Project Engineer to lead capital projects from concept through startup, delivering on time and within budget with hands-on technical leadership across mechanical, electrical, and controls. You will coordinate MEP, manage vendor relations, and drive field execution while mentoring teams.

The role requires 5+ years in project management within plant environments, Rockwell PLC commissioning, and Siemens PLC experience; strong communication and a polished on-site

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing projects (construction management / mechanical engineering).
• Strong project coordination and vendor/contractor direction in plant construction environments.
• Rockwell commissioning and ladder logic proficiency; experience with Siemens PLCs.
• Clear, professional communication—written and verbal—with an on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• Own capital projects from scoping and estimating through commissioning and plant acceptance—on time and on budget.
• Coordinate MEP construction and cross-functional teams (OEM technicians, contractors of all trades, plant personnel).
• Design/spec equipment & panels (OEM equipment, automation panels, hardware) and manage P&ID reviews.
• Lead installation & I/O checkout, start-up, and acceptance testing; drive field execution with clear timelines.
• Develop and maintain schedules & cost controls: WBS, scheduling reports, cost/cash-flow forecasts, change orders.
• Guide controls & automation: direction/support for PLC ladder logic and HMI applications; collaborate with corporate controls/automation on network integration and controls work.
• Mentor and elevate engineers, maintenance, and operations with practical technical leadership.

Skills

Project management

Vendor/contractor management

Rockwell PLC commissioning

Siemens PLC experience

Ladder logic

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Wonderware

Archestra System Platform

Job description

Project Engineer

Lead capital projects end‑to‑end—from conceptual design through start‑up—at a fast‑moving manufacturing site. If you’re a builder of systems who loves turning design into operations, this role gives you the ownership, visibility, and hands‑on impact to deliver real outcomes across mechanical, electrical, and controls.

What you’ll do

• Own capital projects from scoping and estimating through commissioning and plant acceptance—on time and on budget.
• Coordinate MEP construction and cross‑functional teams (OEM technicians, contractors of all trades, plant personnel).
• Design/spec equipment & panels (OEM equipment, automation panels, hardware) and manage P&ID reviews.
• Lead installation & I/O checkout, start‑up, and acceptance testing; drive field execution with clear timelines.
• Develop and maintain schedules & cost controls: WBS, scheduling reports, cost/cash‑flow forecasts, change orders.
• Guide controls & automation: direction/support for PLC ladder logic and HMI applications; collaborate with corporate controls/automation on network integration and controls work.
• Mentor and elevate engineers, maintenance, and operations with practical technical leadership.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years managing projects (construction management / mechanical engineering experience).
• Strong project coordination and vendor/contractor direction in plant construction environments.
• Rockwell commissioning and ladder logic proficiency; experience with Siemens PLCs.
• Clear, professional communication—written and verbal—with a polished, on‑site presence.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Start‑up/installation of process and/or packaging equipment.
• AutoCAD familiarity; strong Word/Excel/MS Project skills.
• Experience with Wonderware, Archestra System Platform, and/or MES.
• Experience leading large capital initiatives.

Why you’ll love it

• Scope & autonomy: You’ll be the point person from concept to commissioning.
• Modern tech stack: Rockwell + Siemens, enterprise controls, real production impact.
• Cross‑site exposure: Collaborate with OEMs and multiple facilities; mentor teams; build repeatable playbooks.

Work environment & travel

• On‑site | Ames, IA (business casual).
• Travel: ~50% in the first year to Dallas and Cleveland for cross‑site learning—all travel expenses covered.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

• A no‑deductible, $0 premium option for employee‑only health coverage.
• 401(k) with 50% company match on first 8% of earnings you contribute.
• Safe harbor and profit‑sharing company contributions to 401(k).
• Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Company paid 2X annual salary life and AD&D insurance.
• 4 weeks annual paid time off.
• Extra time off for volunteering.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Fitness membership reimbursement

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.