Lead Engineer, Project Engineering

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Strategize, implement, and finalize complex capital programs that align with company goals.

• Formulate investment strategies, define scopes, set goals, establish deliverables, determine success criteria, and create implementation plans.

• Direct cross-functional teams comprising Engineering, Procurement, Safety, Operations, and contract labor.

• Prepare and oversee program budgets ranging from $2 million to $100 million, including managing forecasts, cash-flow projections, and cost controls.

• Secure and allocate both internal and external resources to adhere to program timelines and objectives.

• Identify potential program and project risks, devise mitigation strategies, and monitor these risks throughout execution and startup phases.

• Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental, Process Safety Management (PSM), regulatory, engineering, and company standards.

• Act as the primary contact among project teams, executive leadership, external engineering partners, vendors, and stakeholders.

• Provide updates to senior leadership regarding program progress, schedules, risks, challenges, and financial performance.

• Offer technical guidance for process design, equipment selection, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, qualification, validation, and startup.

• Develop and uphold design standards that align with industry best practices.

• Evaluate peer engineering designs for technical quality and compliance.

• Create and implement innovative solutions and best practices to enhance operational performance and reduce costs.

• Collaborate with Procurement to manage key equipment, engineering, and construction service providers.

• Develop and implement commissioning plans and advocate for Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) as well as vertical startup practices.

• Oversee external engineering, construction management, and supplemental project resources.

• Supervise scope, costs, schedules, construction management, training, coordination, and post-completion evaluations.

• Lead and support projects focused on process safety and environmental compliance.

• Mentor project engineers and exemplify disciplined application of the capital expenditure process.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in manufacturing process engineering and/or project-focused roles.

• At least 15 years of experience managing capital projects within the manufacturing sector.

• Proven knowledge of project management methodologies, including experience overseeing multiple projects valued at $5 million or more.

• Demonstrated ability to manage program budgets, forecasts, schedules, resources, risks, and communications with stakeholders.

• Experience with process equipment and implementing process modifications in industrial manufacturing settings.

• Exceptional communication skills across organizational levels, representing the company professionally with vendors and engineering partners.

• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritize competing tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management software.

• Willingness and capability to travel up to 50% and work in industrial plant environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; candidates with other degrees may be considered based on relevant process and project experience.

• Preferred: Familiarity with Focused Improvement methods, such as DMAIC or Six Sigma.

• Preferred: Experience across various capital disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, power distribution, control systems, civil, and environmental.

• Preferred: Experience with both batch and continuous-flow manufacturing processes.

• Preferred: Knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management standards and covered processes.

• Preferred: Experience in people management.

• Expert understanding of engineering principles, standards, and industry best practices.

• Advanced capabilities in capital program and project management throughout initiation, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and closeout.

• Strong financial acumen in capital budgeting, forecasting, cost control, cash-flow management, and financial performance reporting.

• Strong technical judgment in process design, equipment selection, construction, commissioning, and execution of process changes.

• Working knowledge of safety, health, environmental, PSM, and regulatory requirements relevant to industrial capital projects.

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without relying solely on formal authority.

• Competence in identifying, evaluating, communicating, and mitigating technical, financial, schedule, safety, and execution risks.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including concise reporting to senior leadership.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop project engineers.

• Commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off policies.