Senior Project Engineer - Capital Projects

Charter Automotive; Woodstock (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with employer matching & 3

Life insurance, disability coverage, &

Job summary

Charter Casting is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead capital projects across its Woodstock, IL and Shawano, WI facilities. You will manage projects from concept to closeout, applying data-driven decisions and cross-functional leadership to deliver measurable improvements.

The role requires a BS in Engineering, 7+ years of manufacturing project management, and travel ~25%. Base pay ranges from $100,000 to $125,000 plus benefits, with compensation tailored to skills and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of direct project management in manufacturing.
• Experience using data to drive decisions.
• Experience with capital equipment procurement including RFQ generation and ROI analytics.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams.
• Proven PM skills leading multiple initiatives.
• Strong verbal and written communication; change management.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical concepts.
• Proficient in 2D CAD drafting software (SolidWorks and AutoCAD).
• Willingness to travel 25%+.

Responsibilities

• Lead major initiatives across the business and functions to enable strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with plants to design and implement economical initiatives and projects.
• Serve as engineering lead and role model within the group.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance and outside contractors.
• Identify engineering needs for key stakeholders.
• Mentor peers in tackling engineering projects and problem solving.
• Drive alignment and cross-functional execution for sustainable impact.
• mobilize internal and external resources through project fases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Follow Environmental, Quality, and Safety procedures.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Change management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Project Engineer – Capital Projects is responsible for leading and managing capital engineering projects across Charter Casting's manufacturing facilities in Woodstock, IL and Shawano, WI. Projects typically range from $250,000 to $1 million but may vary in size and complexity based on business needs. Projects include equipment design, equipment upgrades, and brownfield and greenfield initiatives that support operational improvements and strategic business objectives. This role provides end-to-end project management, from initial concept, scope development, and capital justification through engineering design, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, documentation, training, and project closeout. The Senior Project Engineer applies technical expertise, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional leadership to develop effective engineering solutions across multiple disciplines.

Position specifics

Location: Woodstock IL or Shawano WI

Site Responsibility: Supports capital engineering projects at both the Woodstock, IL and Shawano, WI manufacturing facilities.

Travel: Approximately 25% travel, with actual travel varying based on project location and requirements. Travel includes visits to both the Woodstock and Shawano manufacturing facilities, equipment vendors, and other project-related locations as needed.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

#LI-PF1 #LI-ONSITE #CharterManufacturing #CharterCareers #OneFamilyOneTeam #CharterCasting

Annual hiring range for this position: $100,000-$125,000. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation decisions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each position and candidate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead major initiatives across the business and functions to enable the overall business strategic objectives, including bold moves for long-term growth.
• Work with the individual plants to review and develop the economical design and implementation of major initiatives and specifically scoped projects.
• Act as an engineering lead and role model within the engineering group.
• Act as liaison between operations, maintenance, and outside contractors to implement major initiatives and projects.
• 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 and technical problem solving.
• Apply leadership to align stakeholders, remove barriers, coordinate cross-functional execution, and drive adoption that delivers sustainable business impact.
• Utilize internal and external resources and lead them through project phases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• 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 Engineering or a related technical degree.
• Seven plus years’ experience with direct project management in manufacturing.
• Experience using a variety of data to drive decisions.
• Experience with capital equipment procurement including detailed RFQ generation and ROI analytics.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in working with & leading cross functional teams.
• Proven project management skills in leading multiple initiatives at various levels.
• Skilled at change management with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical concepts.
• Proficient in 2D CAD drafting software (Solid Works and AutoCAD).
• Ability to be a self-starter and requiring little or no supervision.
• Willingness to travel (25%+).

Nice to haves

• Master’s Degree in technical discipline or a PMP certificate.
• Advanced knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, combustion, machining, mechanical, or electrical systems.
• Experience and knowledge working with Technology, Digital, and Automation Teams.
• Strong experience in the foundry industry and/or other metals industry with preference around cast iron, green sand molding, and no bake knowledge and experience.
• Experience on large Brown or Green Field projects.
• Experience with Program Management for larger strategic initiatives that span across the entire business and deliver new capabilities.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD drafting software (SolidWorks).
• Trained in continuous improvement methodologies (Green Belt/Black Belt certified).

About Charter Casting

Charter Casting is a premier U.S. partner and casting supplier for precision-engineered iron solutions. We deliver large, complex iron castings and DuraBar®, the industry’s leading continuous cast iron bar, with the consistency and performance customers depend on.

Our story

Charter Manufacturing is a family-owned group of diversified metals manufacturing businesses founded in 1936 and headquartered in Mequon, Wis. Our will to grow drives our success. It is fueled by a team of respected and dedicated employees committed to continuous improvement and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Charter family.

WE ARE INVESTED IN YOU

When you work at Charter Manufacturing you’re part of a four-generation family business. That means, you’re not just an employee, you’re one of our family members. We believe in mutual trust. Employees are respected and empowered to explore new and better ways to impact the success of the company. Employees, at every level, are valued for their motivation to deliver the best products and service. We are in this together. Charter has a thriving team environment. Part of being a family means we collaborate, learn, thrive and benefit – together. We are committed to your future. The forward thinking and enthusiasm from our team drives us to create resources and opportunities for employees to learn, develop and create their own future. We celebrate you. We are successful because of our employees — and their great work doesn’t go unnoticed. We recognize and reward our employees for their contributions. Visit our website to learn more about our family of companies. View our 2022 Sustainability Report. To review our data use practices, visit our Company Privacy Policy. View/Download Employment-related Notices: FMLA Poster E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Español) Right to Work Poster (English & Español)

benefits

• 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).