Mechanical Project Engineer

Summary

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Onsite from the Peru, IL plant

The Capital Project Engineer will work on capital and non-routine maintenance projects for the James Hardie Reno Engineering team. The Capital Project Engineer will report to the site Plant Manager. This person must have extensive working knowledge of design, function, specification, and installation of industrial equipment in a heavy manufacturing environment. Project work will include all aspects of new equipment installations, end of asset life replacement, civil/structural/paving upgrades, and safety/reliability/process improvements in the context of a 24/7 manufacturing environment. In order to be effective in this role, the person should have 5+ years of experience overseeing capital projects that include design, developing specifications and installing material storage, handling, conveying, and processing equipment as well as general industrial operations and construction. Travel may be included in the role for training or project specific needs; however, it is largely based in their respective plants. Business travel would likely not exceed 25% per month, and less than 5% per year.

What You’ll Do:

You will lead a wide range of projects that will include new products, platform improvements, process upgrades, and die and extrusion modeling by coordinating efforts and fostering collaboration within cross-functional project teams consisting of R&D Scientists, Plant, Design, Construction and Quality Engineers, EH&S, vendors, plant floor operators and maintenance technicians.

Incorporating Project Management duties such as project scope writing, resource management, timelines, reporting progress to management and delivering executed projects, you will provide technical support and expertise during design, install, start-up, and preliminary production runs of new processes. You will also review design and construction documents to ensure accuracy, identify and correct any non-conformance issues prior to installation, as well as develop detailed trial plans and coordinate and supervise in-plant trials.

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Interact with manufacturing plants and R&D to ensure development of viable, achievable processes that can be implemented within specific cost and time restraints, personally interacting with plant personnel who are critical in helping develop requirements of new processes and who understand existing processes. Communicating with plant personnel to promote new concepts and drive process implementation.

• Manage time, money, and personnel effectively to accomplish the necessary tasks while minimizing inefficiency, duplication, travel time, and accomplishing projects personally or overseeing the work required to deliver the desired project results.

• Deliver project results to improve the business as a whole by enhancing durability, quality, new production capacity, efficiency, and safety in such a way that the projects are resourced to further the Hardie position in the building products industry. Focus on the key areas of company strength and weakness and address both, using a goal-oriented leadership style to lead teams to project success.

• The Mechanical Engineer has excellent decision-making skills in order to be able to make critical, on the spot process related decisions with limited data. Additionally, he/she has the ability to consult peers, process experts, and team members on decisions affecting the overall project while keeping in mind the needs of the plant, cost, timeline, and logistics. The observations, opinions, and decisions of the Process Engineer carry significant weight in the outcome or direction of a developing process and as a result the Process Engineer is thorough, makes careful observations, and considers his/her decisions and opinions carefully. Many projects stem from highly confidential development work, which requires discretion and the ability to communicate projects in a generic, yet comprehensive manner.

• The Mechanical Engineer does not have direct reports, however, he/she is responsible for the actions and safety of any support personnel that accompany or assist him/her in the manufacturing plant. He/she will also be responsible for coaching line personnel in proper techniques and concepts of new processes.

• The Mechanical Engineer is involved in numerous projects, with costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars. He/she will be required to take theoretical models and modeling and implement real solutions in a timely manner.

What You’ll Bring:

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Material Science)
• 5+ years hands-on experience in heavy manufacturing or industrial setting
• 2+ years directly leading or managing capital projects
• Familiarity with best-practice principles i.e. Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM preferred)
• Experience with managing external contractors and their safety
• Ability to observe and understand existing and new processes, as well as troubleshoot process issues
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in a Manufacturing Environment
• Demonstrated ability to work with and drive Cross Functional Teams and External Partners
• Strong record of developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex problems
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated use of formal Project Management skills
• Knowledge and understanding of Process Flows
• Excellent documentation and presentation skills
• Demonstrated skills with personal computer word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, and other proprietary software)

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $81,300.00 to $101,600.00. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan. 

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.  

• Comprehensive low-cost co-pay health insurance: medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one! 

• Paid time-off 

• 13 paid holidays per year 

• 401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary 

• Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave 

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

• Life insurance  

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance 

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