Job Title: Project EngineerJob DescriptionThe Project Engineer will plan, coordinate, and execute facility infrastructure and capital improvement projects within an active, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. This role manages projects from initial scope and budgeting through design, contractor coordination, installation, commissioning, and closeout, with a strong focus on plant infrastructure, building systems, utilities, equipment installations, and facility improvements. The position offers the opportunity to grow and develop within manufacturing engineering, take ownership of project management responsibilities, and contribute directly to advancing manufacturing processes at a recently expanded facility in Franklin, IN.Responsibilities
- Manage facility and infrastructure projects from concept through completion, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, execution, commissioning, and project closeout.
- Lead projects involving electrical distribution and power upgrades, ensuring reliable and safe power delivery throughout the facility.
- Oversee HVAC and mechanical system projects to maintain effective climate control and mechanical performance in the plant.
- Manage compressed air system improvements and installations to support production equipment and processes.
- Coordinate chilled and process water system projects to ensure adequate cooling and process support for manufacturing operations.
- Support steam and other plant utility projects to maintain and enhance facility utility reliability and capacity.
- Lead plumbing and piping system modifications and installations to support building and process needs.
- Oversee roofing and building envelope projects to protect facility integrity and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.
- Manage concrete, foundations, and structural modification projects to support new equipment and facility improvements.
- Coordinate fire protection and life-safety system projects to ensure compliance with safety requirements and support a safe workplace.
- Lead lighting and electrical infrastructure projects to improve energy efficiency, safety, and visibility in the plant.
- Plan and manage production equipment installations and associated facility modifications to integrate new equipment into existing operations.
- Develop detailed project scopes, preliminary cost estimates, schedules, and capital expenditure justifications for infrastructure and equipment projects.
- Coordinate general contractors, mechanical and electrical contractors, engineering firms, equipment vendors, and other external partners to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, proposals, and contractor bids to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and value.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, change orders, procurement activities, and contractor performance to keep projects on track and aligned with objectives.
- Partner closely with plant engineering, maintenance, operations, environmental health and safety, quality, and production teams to execute projects safely and with minimal disruption to manufacturing operations.
- Coordinate shutdowns, equipment tie-ins, utility interruptions, construction activities, and startup and commissioning activities to minimize impact on production.
- Ensure all projects comply with applicable building codes, safety requirements, environmental standards, and internal engineering standards.
- Identify project risks and proactively resolve field issues, schedule conflicts, cost concerns, and design challenges to keep projects moving forward.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation including schedules, drawings, equipment documentation, contractor records, budgets, and project closeout materials.
- Support longer-term facility planning by identifying infrastructure reliability or capacity improvements and contributing to strategic capital planning.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and respond to manufacturing needs in a timely and effective manner.
- Provide input on process engineering and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reliability in production.
- Apply continuous improvement and mechanical engineering principles to optimize tooling, work instructions, and manufacturing processes.
Essential SkilOur Client
- Associate degree in an engineering discipline.
- 25 years of experience in a manufacturing setting, including troubleshooting processes and responding to manufacturing needs.
- At least 2 years of project management experience within an industrial manufacturing environment, with a focus on infrastructure projects.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in troubleshooting and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
- Demonstrated manufacturing process knowledge and the ability to support and improve production operations.
- Experience with tooling and manufacturing engineering in an industrial environment.
- Strong project engineering and project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination.
- Hands-on experience with process engineering and process improvement in manufacturing.
- Ability to develop and follow clear work instructions and standard operating procedures.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical and process-related issues in manufacturing equipment and systems.
- Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies in a production environment.
- Mechanical aptitude and understanding of mechanical systems used in industrial manufacturing.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with contractors, vendors, and internal cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently and be self-sufficient, taking ownership of projects and tasks without constant oversight after initial direction.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Additional Qualifications
- Experience in industrial manufacturing environments with exposure to electrical distribution, HVAC, compressed air, chilled water, steam, plumbing, roofing, structural modifications, fire protection, and lighting systems.
- Familiarity with reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, and contractor proposals and bids.
- Experience coordinating general contractors, mechanical and electrical contractors, engineering firms, and equipment vendors.
- Understanding of building codes, safety requirements, environmental standards, and internal engineering standards.
- Experience supporting long-term facility planning and identifying infrastructure reliability or capacity improvements.
- Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support process optimization efforts.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based 100% onsite at an industrial manufacturing facility in Franklin, IN, with no remote work option. The environment is climate controlled and designed to support high-volume production in the automotive, energy, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. The position operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, with a consistent workday of approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and minimal overtime, typically totaling 4045 hours per week. The Project Engineer works within an active manufacturing environment, regularly interacting with plant engineering, maintenance, operations, environmental health and safety, quality, and production teams, as well as external contractors and vendors. The facility has recently expanded by 60,000 square feet, offering opportunities to participate in ongoing infrastructure improvements and capital projects. As a consultant, you will receive one week of paid time off (40 hours) and have regular touchpoints to ensure your needs are supported, including bi-monthly performance feedback discussions focused on long-term success and professional growth. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, IN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.87 - $44.23/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, IN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Franklin,IN.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.