Senior Project Engineer - Capital Projects

Charter Steel; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and vision benefits

401(k) with employer matching

Life insurance and disability coverage

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Charter Steel is seeking a Senior Project Engineer for Capital Projects to lead the full lifecycle of multiple capital initiatives across Charter Steel facilities. You will own projects from definition through closeout, partnering with Plant Managers, Operations, and vendors to deliver engineering solutions that meet safety, financial, and growth objectives.

This role requires leading cross-functional teams, strong communication, and a track record of managing complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• 7+ years’ experience in operational management with direct project management responsibility.
• Experience coaching and influencing others to achieve results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience leading multiple capital projects through full lifecycle (definition, development, execution, closeout).
• Excellent analytical skills for engineering solutions.
• Leadership in cross-functional teams.
• Advanced experience with capital equipment procurement and detailed RFQ generation.
• Critical thinking to weigh economic cost-benefit of projects.
• Self-starter with minimal supervision.
• Team training with demonstrated success.
• Willingness to travel (annual 40%).

Responsibilities

• Lead development, justification, design, and execution of capital projects aligning with operational objectives and financial targets.
• Act as engineering lead and role model within operations and broader engineering org.
• Develop and validate financial business cases (ROI, NPV, capacity, operating costs, risk).
• Liaise between Plant Project Managers and external contractors for optimal solutions.
• Identify engineering needs for key stakeholders across the business.
• Coach employees and promote best practices in tackling projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams and influence decisions across levels.
• Utilize internal and external resources through project phases.
• Lead Greenfield, Brownfield, expansion, modernization, acquisition, and asset-relocation projects from concept to startup.
• Follow Environmental, Quality and Safety Management System procedures.
• Meet essential job requirements, with or without accommodation.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Financial analysis (ROI/NPV)

Strategic thinking

Coaching and influencing

Self-starter

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family!

Charter Steel is hiring a Senior Project Engineer – Capital Projects!

Job Summary

Lead the full lifecycle of multiple capital projects across Charter Steel facilities, ranging from targeted facility improvements to large-scale, complex investments. Own projects from initial definition and development through budgeting, execution, commissioning, and closeout, with accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, and successful delivery. Partner closely with Plant Managers, Operations leaders, Engineering teams, vendors, and other key stakeholders to understand business needs and develop effective engineering solutions. This highly visible role requires the ability to influence, align, and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority while balancing the priorities of multiple facilities and supporting Charter Steel’s operational goals and long-term growth.

Position specifics

• Location: Cleveland OH or Saukville WI
• Travel: This role requires an average of approximately 40% travel annually, primarily to Charter Steel facilities, with additional travel for conferences and training. Travel frequency will vary based on project needs and phases, with some periods requiring more frequent travel and others requiring significantly less. When not traveling, this role follows a hybrid schedule with an expectation of working onsite in the office at least two days per week
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, justification, design, and execution of capital projects, ensuring alignment with operational objectives, business growth plans, safety standards, and financial targets
• Act as an engineering lead and role model within the operations group and broader engineering organization
• Develop and validate financial business cases, including ROI, NPV, production capacity, operating cost impacts, risk assessments, facility acquisitions, and strategic growth opportunities
• Act as liaison between Plant Project Managers and outside contractors to provide optimal engineering solutions
• Identify engineering needs for key stakeholders within the business
• Relate well to employees throughout the business in teaching and coaching the best way to tackle engineering projects
• Lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making at all organizational levels to achieve project objectives and business results
• Utilize internal and external resources and lead them through project phases
• Lead complex Greenfield, Brownfield, expansion, modernization, acquisition, and asset-relocation projects from concept through startup
• Follow Environmental, Quality and Safety Management System procedures and requirements
• Ability to meet the essential job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, as outlined in the job description

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related engineering degree
• Seven plus years’ experience in operational management, with direct project management responsibility
• Experience in coaching and influencing others to achieve results
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven experience successfully leading multiple capital projects of varying scope and complexity through the full project lifecycle, including project definition, development, execution, and closeout
• Excellent analytical skills in providing optimum engineering solutions
• Leadership experience in working with and leading cross functional teams
• Advanced experience with capital equipment procurement including detailed RFQ generation
• Critical thinking skills to understand the strategic direction of the business and weigh the economic cost benefit of projects
• Ability to be a self-starter and requiring little or no supervision
• Formal team training with demonstrated success from past team experiences
• Willingness to travel (Annually 40%)

Nice to haves

• Master’s Degree in a technical discipline or a PMP certificate
• Advanced knowledge of industrial automation, hydraulics, pneumatic, combustion, machining, and mechanical systems
• Experience in development and integration of plant MES systems
• Strong experience in the steel industry and/or other heavy industry
• CPM certification or related project management certification
• Supervisory experience in an engineering or maintenance capacity

About Charter Steel

Charter Steel is a leading American supplier of carbon and alloy steel bar, rod and wire products, and the largest steel coil processor in North America. As a fully integrated steelmaker with locations in Ohio and Wisconsin, Charter Steel offers a full range of grade and size coiled products and vast technical service experience. Charter Steel is a member of the Charter Manufacturingfamily of companies.

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We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).