Project Engineer

Rehrig Pacific; Petersburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rehrig Pacific is seeking an RSO Project Engineer to plan and execute capital improvement projects across RADs, on-site locations, and Torus hubs. You will lead equipment installations, automation, and facility upgrades while ensuring safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.

The role supports onboarding and scaling new business, driving site readiness, and achieving throughput targets with cross-functional teams. Travel up to ~60% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with project management tools and software.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience installing equipment and upgrading facilities in industrial settings.
• Ability to clearly communicate scope, risks, timelines and decisions to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans for material-handling automation and equipment installations.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and start-up of equipment across RADs, on-sites, and Torus hubs.
• Coordinate site readiness and ensure safe, on-schedule execution while minimizing downtime.
• Manage contractor/vendor proposals, access, schedules and activity through the project lifecycle.
• Monitor timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables; keep stakeholders informed.

Skills

Project management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Cross-functional communication

Risk management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Must live near one of Rehrig Pacific's Reusable Asset Depots: Preferably Petersburg VA, Lincolnton, NC, Columbus OH, or Whiteland IN

Brief Role Description

RSO Project Engineers are an integral part of our operations team, responsible for planning and executing capital improvement projectsincluding equipment installation, automation, and facility improvementsacross Reusable Asset Depots (RAD), On-site locations, and Torus hubs. This role drives network performance by actively supporting the onboarding, kick-off, and scaling of new business while delivering projects that improve site operational efficiency, employee safety, equipment reliability, and operational costs.

Areas of Accountabilities

Execute Equipment & Automation Installation Projects

• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans for material-handling automation and equipment installations.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and start-up of new equipment across RADs, on-sites, and Torus hubs.
• Plan and phase installations to keep live site operations running sequencing work, minimizing downtime, and coordinating cutover with site leadership.
• Coordinate site readiness (power, network, structural, and operational requirements) for safe, on-schedule execution.
• Solicit and evaluate contractor and vendor proposals, and manage their site access, schedules, and activity through the project.
• Monitor timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, and keep stakeholders current on status.
• Complete commissioning and start-up verification confirming equipment, controls, and integration meet throughput and readiness targets before handoff to local maintenance and operations.

Support New Site Start-Up & Operational Readiness

• Lead the site-readiness work to prepare and launch new sites facilities, utilities, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Assess facility needs and develop scopes of work aligned to operational requirements and business priorities.
• Coordinate facility, equipment, and workflow readiness with site leadership; ensure post-launch stabilization plan with the site operations team.
• Deliver and verify projects against scope, budget, safety, readiness, and throughput targets before closeout and handoff to the steady-state operations team.

Ensure Safe Project Execution

• Apply company, customer, and site safety requirements, and enforce contractor and vendor compliance, on all installation and facility-improvement projects.
• Coordinate project risk assessments and mitigation plans with site leadership, contractors, and safety resources.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, start-up checklists, and turnover materials required for safe and effective operation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelors degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Project management experience, including project management tools and software
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma
• Working knowledge of equipment installation, facility infrastructure, and safe tool use in project environments.
• Able to communicate project scope, risks, timelines, and decisions clearly to cross-functional stakeholders (Including, but not limited to Operations, Safety, Quality, and Management).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and familiarity with problem solving terms and tools
• Highly proficient with MS Office tools
• Ability to leverage data to drive decisions and project focus
• Ability and willingness to travel (estimated travel frequency 60%)