Project Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Employee Benefits Package

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Three medical plan options

Dental and vision coverage

401(k)

ESOP

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks an experienced Project Manager to support multiple capital projects within a large-scale manufacturing facility in Columbus, OH. The role focuses on capital equipment installations, startup, commissioning, and closeout with collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, and contractors.

Projects range from $500K to $2M, offering a strong track record in industrial CapEx and hands-on project leadership on the factory floor.

Qualifications

• Experience managing capital projects in a manufacturing/industrial environment.
• Experience with $500K–$2M CapEx projects.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment installations.
• Ability to coordinate contractors, vendors, equipment suppliers, and plant personnel.
• Strong scheduling, budgeting, scope management, and execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple capital projects from planning through installation, startup, commissioning, and closeout.
• Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, deliverables, and execution plans.
• Serve as onsite Engineering representative during project execution.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, and plant personnel.
• Conduct site walks, contractor walkthroughs, equipment assessments, and pre-project planning.
• Support contractor selection, project estimates, proposals, and execution planning.
• Oversee equipment installation, construction activities, facility modifications, startup, and commissioning.
• Monitor project progress and communicate risks, changes, and recommendations to leadership.
• Identify and resolve project issues to maintain schedule and minimize production impact.
• Assist with punch lists, commissioning docs, final turnover, and closeout.
• Occasional evenings or weekends for critical project activities.

Skills

Project Management

CapEx Projects

Stakeholder Management

Manufacturing/Industrial Experience

Scheduling & Budgeting

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Job description

Schedule: Primarily onsite; occasional flexible hours/weekends based on project requirements

About the Opportunity

Sterling is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support multiple capital projects within a large-scale manufacturing facility in Columbus, OH.

This is a hands-on project management role focused on capital equipment, production and process equipment installations, facility modifications, startup, and commissioning. The Project Manager will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, contractors, vendors, and plant leadership to successfully execute projects while minimizing disruption to ongoing production.

Projects will typically range from $500K to $2M, making this an excellent opportunity for a Project Manager with a strong background in manufacturing or industrial CapEx projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple capital projects from initial planning and site walks through installation, startup, commissioning, and closeout.
• Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, deliverables, and overall execution plans.
• Serve as the onsite Engineering representative throughout project execution.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, and plant personnel.
• Conduct site walks, contractor walkthroughs, equipment assessments, and pre-project planning.
• Support contractor selection, project estimates, proposals, and execution planning.
• Oversee equipment installation, construction activities, facility modifications, startup, and commissioning.
• Monitor project progress and proactively communicate risks, issues, schedule changes, and recommendations to Engineering and plant leadership.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, Quality, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Identify and resolve project issues early to maintain schedule and minimize production impact.
• Support punch lists, commissioning documentation, final turnover, and project closeout.
• Work occasional evenings or weekends when required for installations, shutdowns, or other critical project activities.

What We're Looking For

• Proven Project Management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong experience managing capital projects / CapEx, ideally in the $500K–$2M range.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment, machinery, process equipment, or manufacturing equipment installations.
• Experience coordinating and managing contractors, vendors, equipment suppliers, and plant personnel.
• Strong understanding of project scheduling, budgeting, scope management, and execution.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in an active manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working onsite and maintaining a visible presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Willingness to work flexible hours or occasional weekends based on project requirements.
• Engineering degree preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing and project management experience will be considered.

Sterling Contract Employee Benefits

As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible for a Full Employee Benefits Package, including:

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Three medical plan options
• Dental and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.