Project Engineer

Project Engineer PSW Group is seeking a Project Engineer to support the planning, engineering, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and facilities, with a primary focus on establishing High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) operations. This role works with engineering, production, maintenance, procurement, equipment suppliers, and contractors to deliver projects safely, on schedule, within scope, and within budget. Responsibilities include equipment integration, manufacturing layouts, utility requirements, technical coordination, and preparation for production startup. Direct HPDC experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with experience in sand-casting, low-pressure casting, thixomolding, plastic injection molding, or stamping will also be considered when they can demonstrate transferable experience with manufacturing equipment installation, electrical power and utility requirements, plant layouts, and commissioning. The position begins with an 18-month assignment in Bellevue, Ohio. Following that assignment, the position will be permanently based in Chicago, Illinois, with travel to support project needs.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the design, installation, commissioning, and startup of HPDC equipment and associated manufacturing systems.
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, equipment specifications, plant layouts, technical calculations, and vendor documentation.
• Develop and evaluate manufacturing layouts that account for equipment placement, material flow, maintenance access, operator access, and safety.
• Identify and coordinate equipment power and utility requirements, including electrical supply, cooling water, compressed air, ventilation, and other services required by the selected equipment.
• Coordinate equipment and facility interfaces with suppliers, contractors, engineering specialists, production, and maintenance.
• Support project schedules, budgets, procurement activities, and deliverables; identify risks and communicate corrective actions.
• Review supplier proposals, technical submittals, installation requirements, and equipment acceptance criteria.
• Participate in site inspections, installation reviews, equipment acceptance testing, commissioning, and resolution of technical issues.
• Maintain project documentation, including progress reports, meeting records, changes, equipment information, and operating and maintenance documentation.
• Support the handover of installed equipment and systems to production and maintenance teams.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to engineering standards and best practices for future projects.
• Follow company safety requirements and coordinate with the appropriate teams to address equipment and facility safety throughout project execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Materials, Civil, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least three years of relevant engineering or manufacturing project experience involving equipment installation, facility modifications, commissioning, or production startup. Relevant internships and co-op assignments may be considered toward this experience.
• Manufacturing experience in at least one of the following: High Pressure Die Casting, Sand casting, Low pressure casting, Thixomolding, Plastic injection, or Stamping.
• Working knowledge of casting equipment and facility requirements, including the ability to evaluate equipment interfaces, electrical power needs, utilities, and manufacturing layouts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply experience from previous manufacturing projects to new equipment and facility requirements.
• Proficiency in engineering drawing and layout tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.
• Knowledge of project coordination principles, including scheduling, budget tracking, procurement support, and change documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Ability to work in Bellevue, Ohio, for the first 18 months and relocate to a permanent position in Chicago, Illinois, afterward.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 50%, as project needs require.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The strongest candidates will have supported the installation, commissioning, expansion, or startup of an HPDC operation.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience integrating HPDC machines with associated equipment, such as melting and holding furnaces, die temperature control systems, cooling systems, automation, trimming equipment, and material handling systems.
• Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility, installing a new production line, or completing a significant plant expansion.
• Demonstrated responsibility for equipment specifications, supplier coordination, utility planning, installation, acceptance testing, and production handover.
• Experience with aluminum or magnesium casting operations.
• Strong examples of resolving equipment, layout, utility, or commissioning issues while maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Experience coordinating international equipment suppliers and project teams.
• Mandarin Chinese fluency, preferably at a professional working level.

LOCATION AND WORK SCHEDULE

The first 18 months of employment will be based in Bellevue, Ohio, to support equipment installation, commissioning, and manufacturing startup. After this assignment, the position will be permanently based in Chicago, Illinois. Initial Location: Bellevue, Ohio, for the first 18 months The first 18 months of employment will be based in Bellevue, Ohio, to support equipment installation, commissioning, and manufacturing startup. After this assignment, the position will be permanently based in Chicago, Illinois.

Permanent Location: Chicago, Illinois, following the initial 18-month assignment

Travel: Up to 50%, including domestic and international project sites, as required

WORK ENVIROMENT

The role includes work in office, manufacturing, and project construction environments. Employees must follow applicable site safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional related duties may be assigned.

PEOPLE MATTER

PSW Group is dedicated to fostering an open, inclusive, and trusting culture where every employee feels valued and respected. We treat all our employees fairly and with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or background. We recognize that a diverse employee community makes an invaluable contribution to the Company’s goals and ideals, and we're committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all. Our open-door policy encourages all employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with management. We aim to foster a culture of trust and transparency, where employees feel empowered to speak up and be heard at all levels. We actively listen to our employees and provide them with honest, responsible feedback. The safety and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to provide the safest working conditions possible by maintaining the highest standards of safety in everything we do. From providing proper training to implementing safety protocols, we take every step necessary to ensure that our employees are protected from harm and can work safely and with peace of mind. At PSW Group, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where they can thrive and grow.

COMP & BENEFITS

Our employees are our most important asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees stay healthy, work-life balanced and have a sense of security. Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, the ability to participate in a 401k plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other types of group and individual coverages.

OUR VISION

We are committed to providing the highest quality raw materials.

OUR MISSION

To support our customers in building their products and be their trusted partner in innovation and success by providing superior and sustainable lightweight metal solutions.

ABOUT PSW GROUP

PSW Group is a leading recycler and producer of non-ferrous lightweight metals, specializing in magnesium and aluminum. We supply a broad range of products including secondary magnesium alloys, primary and secondary aluminum alloys, and tolling and chip recycling services. Our international production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia provide us with a cross-continental network of reliable supply that is unrivaled in the industry. Our team also stands at the forefront of sustainability, by investing in technologies and processes to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest quality of our products. PSW Group is committed to providing the highest quality raw materials to build your unique products and realize your most innovative ideas. Our products are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, communications, constructions, and electronics industries. By upholding the highest quality and environmental standards, we strive to provide consistent, superior, and sustainable lightweight solutions to meet, and exceed, our customers’ needs. PSW Group is focused on the pursuit of innovation and excellence. By following our core values, we strongly believe we can continue to provide value to customers by setting the standard in magnesium recycling. PSW Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. Job Type: Full-time

BENEFITS

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance