Assistant Project Engineering Manager

Job Description

• Project Management & Execution:

  • Lead and support multiple engineering projects from concept through commissioning, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, and resource allocation
  • Ensure projects are executed to meet safety, quality, cost, and timeline objectives
  • Evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies, automation systems, and process improvements
  • Track ROI of capital investments and operational efficiency of projects

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Directly manage and mentor engineers, junior engineers, and interns, fostering professional growth and skill development
  • Assign tasks, monitor workloads, and provide regular performance feedback
  • Support hiring, training, and onboarding of engineering personnel
  • Promote cross‑training and knowledge sharing among engineers to strengthen team capabilities

• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  

  • Work closely with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to ensure project goals are met
  • Partner with leadership to advocate for resources, capital funding, and strategic project prioritization
  • Facilitate communication between engineering, management, and internal/external stakeholders
  • Lead project meetings, providing technical guidance, updates, and issue resolution

• Technical Oversight:

  • Conduct design reviews, validate technical accuracy, and ensure compliance with standards and regulations
  • Review and approve engineering deliverables, drawings, and specifications
  • Implement and maintain project documentation including scope, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and lessons learned

• Quality & Safety Compliance:

  • Ensure projects and operations adhere to environmental, health, safety, and quality standards
  • Collaborate with quality teams to drive continuous improvement and defect reduction initiatives
  • Support ISO and regulatory audits as required

• Strategic Contribution:

  • Assist in capital planning and justification for engineering projects
  • Analyze project performance, operational costs, and schedule adherence, recommending corrective actions when needed
  • Champion process improvement initiatives and standardization efforts across engineering functions
  • Additional Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers and junior engineers
  • Assign work, set expectations, and provide coaching to ensure team success
  • Participate in performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and recognition programs
  • Ensure effective knowledge transfer and technical competency development across the team
  Qualifications Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or Metallurgical preferred);
    Master’s preferred
  • Minimum 7+ years of engineering experience
    , with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or mentoring role
  • Foundry, metals, machining, or heavy manufacturing experience strongly preferred
  • Proven experience managing multiple projects, budgets, and engineering teams
  Additional Information Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong technical foundation in engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and project management methodologies
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering personnel
  • Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, Solid Works) and project management tools
  • Knowledge of CAPEX and OPEX management, risk assessment, and ROI tracking
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills
  • PMP certification or equivalent project management training desirable
  Physical & Cognitive Abilities
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
  • Primarily on‑site in a foundry environment with exposure to heat, noise, and industrial equipment
  • Ability to work in both office and plant‑floor settings
  • Occasional travel to supplier sites, sister facilities, or industry events

  McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.