What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer position at Alpha Executive Search?
Regional Project Engineer (Capital Projects)
Location: Chicagoland Area (Western Suburbs) - Relocation Assistance Provided
This role leads regional capital projects across multiple manufacturing sites, managing initiatives from early concept and scope development through installation, start-up, and post-project evaluation. The Regional Project Engineer serves as a hands-on, field-based resource, partnering closely with plant, regional, and corporate stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective capital solutions that support operational performance and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead multiple capital projects concurrently from planning through closeout
- Develop capital plans, scopes of work, preliminary cost estimates, and funding requests
- Manage project budgets, schedules, risks, vendors, and contractors
- Coordinate engineering, purchasing, construction, and plant operations teams
- Oversee equipment installation, construction activities, commissioning, and start-up
- Ensure proper training, documentation, and project acceptance
- Maintain detailed project records, cost tracking, and status reporting
- Review project outcomes, identify improvements, and share best practices across sites
- Support continuous improvement by developing and maintaining technical standards
- Ensure full compliance with safety policies, regulatory requirements, and engineering best practices
Experience & Qualifications
- 5–10 years of experience in plant engineering or capital project management within manufacturing
- Demonstrated success managing multiple projects, typically totaling $10–15M in capital spend
- Experience with plant expansions, line additions, and equipment installations
- Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional leadership skills
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, field-based environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
- Knowledge of refrigeration, steam, or wastewater systems is a plus
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, or equivalent technical experience
- PMP certification, technical degree, or military background viewed positively
Work Environment
- Manufacturing plant setting with variable conditions
- Approximately 30–50% domestic travel
- Ability to meet physical demands typical of plant environments