Project Engineer

Apex Companies, LLC; Oak Brook (IL); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

STD and LTD coverage

Life and AD&D insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Company laptop

Job summary

Apex Companies, LLC in Oak Brook, IL is seeking a Project Engineer to lead automated material handling projects from concept to completion, driving efficiency and throughput for warehousing clients. You will guide project scope, timelines and cost control to deliver value.

You will manage MHE projects, support sales quotes, set up ERP (Business Central), and coordinate with vendors while building strong client relationships and ensuring quality installations and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, logistics, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of material handling systems and controls concepts.
• Experience specifying MHE and technologies; CAD reading ability.
• Proficient in Word, Excel; AutoCAD experience a plus.
• Travel up to 20% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and implement MHE projects from concept to completion.
• Support sales by leading the quoting process for automation projects.
• Oversee project setup in ERP, including order entry and vendor PO management.
• Maintain project documents and manage vendor POs, timelines, and schedules.
• Develop detailed project plans covering drawings, installations, software, commissioning, and training.
• Lead commissioning, system acceptance, and client training; manage change orders.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/logistics or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

ERP (Business Central)

CAD drawings

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Location: Oak Brook, IL

Salary Range: 57,000-70,000

***This is a hybrid position, local candidates only***

Apex Companies provide a full-service, cross-solution approach for material handling industry customers, offering expertise in warehouse and industrial facility design, integration of material handling solutions, and optimization of efficiency. We also source and service forklifts, industrial vehicles, and equipment, while providing safety audit and repair services as well as personnel training. As a leader in innovative automation solutions, our mission is to help clients reduce costs, minimize labor dependencies, and maximize throughput capabilities by implementing state-of-the-art automated material handling systems, ultimately enhancing warehousing and distribution performance.

Position Summary:

Apex is seeking a Project Engineer to play a key role in implementing automated material handling projects that enhance warehousing and distribution performance. This position is an exciting opportunity to drive efficiency, reduce costs, minimize labor dependencies, and improve throughput capabilities for our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and implement Material Handling Equipment (MHE) projects from concept to completion.
• Support sales efforts by leading the quoting process for potential automation projects.
• Oversee project setup in Business Central ERP, including order entry and vendor PO management.
• Maintain proper file management of all project documents in a shared drive.
• Issue and manage vendor POs, manufacturing timelines, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans covering drawings, mechanical and electrical installations, software implementation, commissioning, and training.
• Conduct pre-installation walk-throughs and set project expectations with vendors and clients.
• Manage the project plan, including schedule, budget, risks, and resources.
• Provide weekly project status updates to stakeholders.
• Handle change orders from request to execution, ensuring proper documentation.
• Supervise on-site installations, ensuring compliance with design specifications and vendor management.
• Lead commissioning, system acceptance, and client training (operations, maintenance, and safety).
• Actively maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, logistics, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of material handling systems, including flow analysis and controls concepts.
• Experience specifying Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and technologies.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting CAD drawings.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, and AutoCAD (a plus).
• Familiarity with WMS software systems, process automation, and ACAD is a plus.
• Experience in distribution center or plant layout and design is beneficial.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in team-based environments.
• Flexible work hours with travel as needed (up to 20%).

We offer a comprehensive benefits and compensation package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability (STD) and voluntary long-term disability (LTD) coverage; and life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance options. We also provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match, generous paid time off benefits including paid holidays, and eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Additionally, whoever fills this role will receive a company-provided laptop to ensure they have the tools needed for success in their role. We are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for our team members.

Why Join Us?

At Apex, we recognize that our people are our most valuable asset. Our employees drive our success, which is why we believe in empowering our people with real-time career development, offering diverse and challenging work, and providing solid growth opportunities. If you have a "let's get down to business, roll up your sleeves" mindset then Apex is the place for you.

Apex promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing a non-smoking environment. Apex is an equal opportunity employer.