Job Title: Project EngineerJob Description
The Project Engineer oversees capital investments related to fixed assets from conceptual study through project closeout, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders. This role focuses on optimizing asset relocation or acquisition, managing project scope, budget, and timelines, and ensuring that all projects deliver sustainable value and a positive return on investment. The Project Engineer plays a key role in equipment management, scope development, vendor quote gathering, and onsite commissioning of equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Propose and implement work processes that comply with internal standards, guidelines, and relevant regulations.
Coordinate project personnel and funding to ensure that project objectives are met effectively and on time.
Control and monitor project costs in accordance with Capital Investment Guidelines, ensuring financial discipline.
Track project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions when necessary.
Integrate corporate values and business principles into daily project activities and decision-making.
Enforce a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe situations and maintain a strong safety culture on all worksites.
Maintain high ethical conduct standards in all interactions with stakeholders, suppliers, and colleagues.
Promote clear and consistent communication across all stakeholders to ensure alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Drive efficient operations and apply Good Hygienic Engineering (NGHE) principles in project design and execution.
Ensure compliance with NQS, HACCP, and OSHA standards, particularly in hygiene and food safety @contexts.
Encourage and support continuous improvement initiatives within project teams and processes.
Protect proprietary knowledge and confidential information related to assets, processes, and technologies.
Maintain and fulfill client requirements throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring satisfaction and adherence to specifications.
During the conceptual phase, ensure that projects are sustainable and deliver a positive return on investment.
Challenge and validate conceptual documentation, preparing clear and complete approval packages.
During the design phase, ensure proper asset design and selection of fit-for-purpose technologies.
Conduct value engineering analysis to optimize design for performance, cost, and long-term operational efficiency.
Focus on cost-efficient operations when defining technical solutions and project scope.
During the implementation phase, maintain safe worksites and installations and ensure contractors follow safety protocols.
Define scope, deliverables, and milestones with suppliers and vendors to support effective project execution.
Use project management tools such as MS Project, SAP-PS, and FMEA to plan, monitor, and mitigate project risks.
Prepare and distribute monthly progress reports to stakeholders, highlighting status, risks, and key decisions.
During start-up and closeout, deliver projects within approved cost and timeline parameters.
Ensure that all necessary training and technical documentation are completed and handed over to operations teams.
Manage asset allocation, including proper tagging, documentation, and integration into plant systems.
Organize and maintain project files and records, ensuring traceability and compliance with internal standards.
Complete final project reports summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and performance against objectives.
Perform onsite capex equipment management, including oversight of installation and commissioning activities.
Develop detailed project scopes, gather quotes from vendors, and support contract negotiations.
Coordinate with construction and operations teams to integrate new equipment and assets into existing facilities.
Support change order management, estimation, and project coordination activities as needed.
Essential Skills
Degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or a related discipline.
1-3 years of relevant experience in project engineering, project management, or a related field.
Experience in project engineering and plant design, including layout and equipment integration.
Experience with equipment procurement and contract management for capital projects.
Knowledge of hygiene and food safety standards, including NQS, HACCP, and Good Hygienic Engineering principles.
Understanding of OSHA requirements and safety practices in manufacturing and construction environments.
Ability to perform financial analysis and CAPEX budgeting for capital investment projects.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
Strong technical skills related to engineering design, asset selection, and process optimization.
Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, for documentation, reporting, and data analysis.
Proficiency in MS Project for project planning, scheduling, and resource management.
Ability to use AutoCAD and Visio for plant design, layout, and technical documentation.
Experience using project management tools such as SAP-PS and FMEA for planning and risk management.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to network across functions and levels.
Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and continuous improvement.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Project management experience is preferred, including handling scope, schedule, and cost control.
Experience in construction management, change order management, and project coordination.
Experience with estimation and cost forecasting for capital projects.
Familiarity with the NIMT tool and its application in manufacturing or engineering environments.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles and their application to process and project optimization.
Ability to promote and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across engineering, operations, and suppliers.
Capability to challenge existing documentation and processes constructively to improve project outcomes.
Experience preparing and delivering structured progress and final project reports.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite in a manufacturing environment with a combination of plant floor and office work. The Project Engineer spends time in production areas overseeing equipment installation, commissioning, and safety, as well as in an office setting scoping work, developing project documentation, and completing business activities. The environment involves collaboration with engineering, operations, and construction teams, and regular interaction with vendors and suppliers. Work is performed using tools such as MS Office, MS Project, Excel, AutoCAD, Visio, SAP-PS, FMEA, and NIMT, within a culture that emphasizes safety, hygiene, food safety compliance, and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Waverly, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Waverly,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
