Project Manager

Actalent; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Project Engineer to optimize manufacturing facilities in an agricultural-focused environment. The role drives planning, design, estimation, and construction oversight, coordinating with plant engineers to improve facility performance.

You will apply engineering standards, manage CAPEX-related projects, and steadily push efficiency through cost analyses, scheduling, and field execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Minimum two years of related work experience in project engineering.
• Experience in construction management in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong project management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Proven ability to manage time, scope, and cost for CAPEX projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and estimate time and cost for construction and maintenance of structures, equipment, facilities, systems, and components.
• Develop and deploy projects that optimize plant operations.
• Apply and develop engineering standards and procedures to guide activities.
• Assist engineers with facility planning and design to optimize operations.
• Conduct cost, inventory, and production control studies to identify opportunities.
• Perform human factors analysis to inform facility modifications.
• Maximize utilization of production facilities and personnel.
• Address technical issues with minimal supervision and escalate when needed.
• Oversee construction and maintenance to meet safety, time, and quality specs.
• Interpret blueprints and technical documentation to guide work.
• Support CAPEX projects through project engineering practices.

Skills

Construction management

Project management

Blueprints & drawings

Electrical systems

Industrial manufacturing

Cost analysis

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Field work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Project Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer plays a pivotal role in optimizing the interconnected components of a manufacturing system within an agricultural-focused environment. This position focuses on developing and deploying projects, coordinating multiple facets of plant operations, and applying engineering standards and procedures to improve facility performance. The role involves planning, designing, estimating, and overseeing construction and maintenance activities while collaborating closely with manufacturing plant engineers to enhance facility planning and design.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and estimate time and cost for the construction and maintenance of structures, equipment, facilities, systems, and components within the manufacturing environment.
• Develop and deploy projects that support and optimize plant operations, ensuring alignment with engineering standards and procedures.
• Apply and develop engineering standards and procedures to guide construction, maintenance, and operational activities.
• Assist manufacturing plant and facilities engineers with facility planning and design, providing expertise and support to optimize operations.
• Conduct cost, inventory, and production control studies to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and resource utilization.
• Perform human factors analysis to inform facility modifications and revisions to operational methods.
• Devise methods to maximize utilization of production facilities and personnel, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
• Independently address moderately complex technical and operational issues with minimal supervision, escalating more complex problems to appropriate staff when needed.
• Oversee construction and maintenance activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and in line with specifications and quality standards.
• Interpret and work with blueprints and other technical documentation to guide construction and engineering activities.
• Support agricultural capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects through sound project engineering and construction management practices.
• Undertake other duties as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and readiness to contribute to various aspects of projects and operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in construction and construction management within an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating multiple stakeholders and activities.
• Hands-on project engineering experience, particularly in environments involving manufacturing or agricultural operations.
• Ability to work with and understand electrical systems as they relate to plant facilities and equipment.
• Experience with commercial construction projects, including interpreting and applying construction standards and codes.
• Capability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct cost, inventory, and production control studies and human factors analysis.
• Ability to independently solve moderately complex problems and make sound engineering judgments with minimal supervision.
• Forward-thinking and detail-oriented approach to optimizing manufacturing systems and facility operations.
• Minimum of two years of related work experience, demonstrating practical knowledge and expertise in project engineering or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as engineering, construction management, or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with plant engineers, facilities teams, and construction stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs and undertake diverse duties across different aspects of operations.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and optimization of systems, processes, and facility layouts.

Work Environment

The role operates within an agricultural manufacturing setting, focusing on project engineering for facilities, equipment, and systems that support production operations. Work involves both office-based planning and analysis and on-site engagement with construction and maintenance activities. The Project Engineer collaborates closely with plant and facilities engineers, construction teams, and operations personnel, using tools such as blueprints, engineering documentation, and standard project management practices. The environment emphasizes safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in f