Project Engineer

Kadant Johnson LLC; Three Rivers (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kadant Johnson LLC is seeking a Project Engineer within the Systems group to develop expertise in steam and condensate systems and lead projects from concept through start-up.

The role emphasizes mentorship, cross-functional collaboration with project managers, engineers, and commercial teams, and exposure to field measurements, installation support, and start-up activities, building a foundation for growth in industrial systems engineering and project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Entry-level to 3 years of relevant experience in industrial systems or related field.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% across the United States.

Responsibilities

• Learn and support development of capital equipment sales opportunities with commercial and engineering teams.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation: process flow diagrams, equipment indexes, control logic narratives, transmittals, and shipping lists.
• Assist with equipment sizing, selection, and specification for steam and condensate systems.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors to develop specifications, gather information, and obtain quotations.
• Participate in customer site activities, including field measurements, design verification, pre-installation planning, installation support, commissioning, and start-up.
• Collaborate with Project Administration, Supply Chain, Accounting, and Product Fulfillment to understand workflow and support schedule and budget objectives.
• Maintain and improve cost estimating tools, part numbering systems, and departmental and customer documentation.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Cross-functional teamwork

Customer collaboration

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

As a Project Engineer in the Systems group, you will have the opportunity to build technical expertise in steam and condensate systems while learning how complex engineered projects move from concept through start-up.

Overview

As a Project Engineer in the Systems group, you will have the opportunity to build technical expertise in steam and condensate systems while learning how complex engineered projects move from concept through start-up.

This developmental role is designed for engineer who is technically skilled with strong aptitude, curiosity, and a desire to grow. Working closely with experienced project managers, engineers, commercial team members, and operations partners, you will support project design, documentation, equipment selection, vendor coordination, installation support, commissioning, and customer start-up activities.

This position provides a structured opportunity to expand technical knowledge, gain customer-facing project experience, and build a strong foundation for long-term growth in industrial systems engineering and project management.

The successful candidate will receive guidance and mentoring while gradually building the skills needed to contribute more independently to safe, efficient, and successful system implementation in industrial environments.

We are seeking a motivated Project Engineer to support the Systems project delivery team. This role is well suited for someone who is eager to learn, enjoys technical problem-solving, communicates well across teams, and wants to grow into increasing responsibility within project engineering and project management.

Responsibilities

• Learn and support the development of capital equipment sales opportunities by assisting the commercial and engineering teams with technical information.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain project documentation such as process flow diagrams, equipment indexes, control logic narratives, document transmittals, and equipment shipping lists.
• Assist with equipment sizing, selection, and specification for steam and condensate systems, with increasing independence as experience develops.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors to help develop specifications, gather information, and obtain quotations.
• Participate in customer site activities, including field measurements, design verification, pre-installation planning, installation support, commissioning, and start-up.
• Collaborate with Project Administration, Supply Chain, Accounting, and Product Fulfillment teams to understand project workflow and support schedule and budget objectives.
• Maintain and improve cost estimating tools, part numbering systems, and departmental and customer documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field; equivalent technical experience and demonstrated aptitude may also be considered.
• Entry-level to 3 years of relevant experience in industrial systems, manufacturing, engineering, project support, maintenance, operations, or a related technical environment.
• Strong interest in learning steam and condensate systems, industrial process equipment, and project execution.
• Ability to manage details, follow through on commitments, and balance multiple priorities with guidance and support.
• Good communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to work closely with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with steam and condensate systems, pulp and paper or other industrial process industries, capital equipment, project coordination, or field service is helpful but not required.
• Willingness to travel up to 40%, primarily throughout the United States, with typical trips ranging from 2 to 10 days.

Why This Role Matters

This role provides a practical pathway for growth in project engineering and project management. You will gain hands-on exposure to technical design, documentation, customer site work, vendor coordination, and project execution while developing the confidence and capability to take on larger responsibilities over time. For someone who is eager to learn and grow, this position offers meaningful experience, mentoring, and a clear connection to future career opportunities. This position reports through the Director of Project Services.