Project Engineer

DeGeest is growing and hiring a Project Engineer!
Be a part of our STRONGER STANDARD! We are a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in Steel Works, Automation, and Finishing. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to create fulfilling and meaningful experiences every day. We Collaborate! We Think! We Do! If you want to feel empowered and appreciated, we encourage you to apply!

Location: Tea, SD (travel required as needed)
Work Hours: 7:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday
Department: Project Engineering

Position Summary:

The Project Engineer is responsible for proposing, managing, and delivering standard and custom automation solutions for industrial customers. This role blends hands-on engineering expertise with project management, ensuring automation systems—including controls, robotics, and integrated equipment—are designed, built, tested, and commissioned on time and within budget. This position thrives in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment and plays a key role in delivering scalable, real-world automation solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Develop automation system designs, control architectures, and technical documentation for custom and standard projects.
• Create and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, PLC/HMI programs, and system design prints.
• Support and integrate robotics, motion control, vision systems, and industrial networks.
• Manage projects from proposal through installation, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including controls, mechanical, electrical, fabrication, integration, and installation.
• Track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Review project costs against budgets and manage scope changes through customer change orders.
• Oversee system integration, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Travel to customer sites for installation, commissioning, and operator training as required.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Translate customer requirements into actionable engineering and project tasks.
• Lead customer project update meetings and communicate status, risks, and changes clearly.
• Ensure systems meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Support ERP system utilization for accurate project tracking and documentation.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, or project engineering.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and control systems.
• Experience with robotics platforms such as Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or Reis.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards (NFPA 79, ISO, OSHA).
• Experience managing projects in industrial or manufacturing environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying materials.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Required Skills:

• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Consultative, customer-focused mindset.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to translate complex automation solutions into clear customer value.

Benefits:
To better serve our employees, we offer competitive benefits as follows

Pay:
Hiring Salary Range: Depending on Experience
Bonus Programs

Insurance
Medical – Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
Dental and Vision Plans
STD/LTD and Voluntary Life/AD&D Plans

Retirement
401k with company match

Holidays/PTO
9 Paid Holiday, 1 Floating Holiday
PTO for New Hires

Additional Incentives
Safety glasses and steel toe boots reimbursement
Work shirts provided by DeGeest

Note: The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. This position is eligible for a bonus.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
DeGeest is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.