Project Engineer

Southern Ionics Incorporated; West Point, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Southern Ionics Incorporated in Mississippi is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to apply broad technical expertise across design, startup, and operations. You will lead multi‑discipline projects, coordinate with environmental, transportation and safety teams, and oversee construction activities at plant sites.

The role demands a chemical or mechanical engineering degree, 8+ years of experience in project management or process design, strong communication, and proven leadership in a small-team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience with project management, operations, or process design.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate across disciplines and present technical information.
• Proven leadership and decision‑making abilities to manage multi‑discipline projects.
• Proficiency in MS Office; VBA programming is a plus.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to handle fieldwork, supervision, and detailed analysis in a small company.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, specification, procurement, installation and start‑up of new facilities and equipment.
• Provide technical support to plant operations, including process design and troubleshooting.
• Oversee pilot facility operations for development of new products and processes.
• Perform mass and energy balances, hydraulic analysis, and heat transfer calculations.
• Coordinate with Environmental, Transportation, and Safety teams.
• Regularly update stakeholders with timelines and progress reports.
• Oversee construction projects and travel to job sites.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

MS Office/VBA

Time management

Engineering theory

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Are you a versatile, hands‑on engineer looking for an opportunity to apply your broad technical expertise in a dynamic environment? Southern Ionics is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to take on a variety of responsibilities in our growing company. This role offers a unique chance to engage in diverse, impactful projects, spanning from process design to operational support, while working in a tight‑knit team where your contributions will directly influence business success. In a small organization like ours, you won’t be siloed into one area—you’ll gain exposure to a broad range of duties that will keep you challenged and engaged.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Project Design & Implementation: Lead the design, specification, procurement, installation, and start‑up of new facilities, process equipment, site improvements, and other operational upgrades. This includes scope development, equipment selection, contractor management, and cost control.
• Operational Support: Provide vital technical support to plant operations, including process design, troubleshooting, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Pilot Facility Operations: Oversee the operation of pilot‑scale facilities for the development of new products and processes as required by business demands.
• Engineering Analysis: Conduct mass and energy balances, perform hydraulic analysis for equipment sizing, process modeling, and heat transfer calculations.
• Cross‑Functional Coordination: Ensure project designs incorporate inputs from Environmental, Transportation, and Safety teams.
• Reporting & Communication: Regularly update project stakeholders and company management with summaries, timelines, and progress reports.
• Construction Management: Oversee plant/process construction projects, including traveling to job sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, with a focus on project management, operations, or process design.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to effectively collaborate across disciplines and present technical information.
• Proven leadership and decision‑making abilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multi‑discipline projects.
• Proficiency in MS Office, with knowledge of VBA programming being a plus.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to take on a wide range of tasks, from fieldwork and supervision to detailed technical analysis in a small‑company environment.
• Solid understanding of engineering theory and design principles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work around industrial equipment.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas.
• Prolonged periods of desk work and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

This role offers a unique opportunity to take on significant responsibilities, gain exposure to various facets of engineering, and make a tangible impact in a small but innovative company. If you’re someone who thrives on variety and challenge, we want to hear from you.

In addition to a competitive starting salary of $140,000, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with disability and life insurance. We also provide a 401(k) plan with a generous company match to support your long‑term financial goals. Our PTO policy is designed to offer flexibility, and we encourage professional development through tuition reimbursement opportunities. You'll also have access to our wellness programs, promoting both physical and mental well‑being. Additionally, we offer an annual performance bonus, allowing you to be rewarded for your hard work and contributions.

This description is not to be considered “all inclusive” of job requirements and may change as needed or as directed.

Southern Ionics Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Southern Ionics Inc. prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Preferred

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Functional Expert

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Leader

Inspires teammates to follow them

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Preferred

Job Security

Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Growth Opportunities

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Goal Completion

Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Experience

Required

8 years:

Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Plant Design

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.