Sr. Project Engineer

Job Description

Senior Project Engineer – Plant & Capital Initiatives

Location: Columbus, Ohio

A global industrial manufacturer is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead plant engineering and capital investment projects at its Columbus-area facility. This role is instrumental in executing projects that enhance production capabilities, improve reliability, and modernize facility infrastructure.

Reporting into a global engineering leadership function, this position is responsible for managing projects from initial concept through completion, ensuring alignment with operational goals, safety standards, and budget expectations.

Core Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

Define project scope, technical requirements, and detailed work plans

Lead vendor selection processes, including preparation and evaluation of RFQs

Drive project performance against established timelines, budgets, and KPIs

Oversee equipment installation, system integration, commissioning, and final closeout activities

Projects may include new installations or upgrades to bulk material handling systems, mixing and processing equipment, thermal systems, and automated dosing or control systems.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency through process and equipment improvements

Conduct root cause analysis on operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions

Apply lean and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize workflows and reduce waste

Engineering & Technical Delivery

Manage full lifecycle of plant engineering projects, including concept development, design, execution, and documentation

Develop technical specifications and coordinate procurement of equipment and services

Create and review mechanical layouts, system designs, and P&ID diagrams

Partner with contractors and vendors to ensure high-quality project delivery

Operational Support & Troubleshooting

Provide hands-on engineering support during major equipment failures or system issues

Diagnose recurring maintenance challenges and implement corrective actions

Assist with equipment repairs when necessary and recommend preventive maintenance strategies

Support training initiatives related to new systems, safety practices, and operational procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with maintenance, production, and other internal teams to align project goals with operational needs

Engage with global counterparts and participate in regular cross-regional meetings

Travel & Global Engagement

Support projects across multiple manufacturing sites as needed

Travel periodically (approximately 3–4 times per year) for site visits, installations, or evaluations

Participate in recurring virtual meetings across different time zones

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)

7+ years of experience in industrial or plant engineering environments

Proven track record managing capital projects, ideally with budgets at or above $1M

Strong knowledge of industrial equipment, safety standards, and manufacturing systems (e.g., material handling, dust collection)

Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles

Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering documentation

Demonstrated problem-solving ability with a practical, hands-on approach

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Flexibility to support projects outside standard hours when required

Preferred Experience:

New facility construction or major plant expansions

Industrial controls, PLC programming, or automation systems

HVAC and facility systems

Combustion systems or thermal processing equipmentCompany Description

About CTI: Compass Tech International (CTI) is dedicated to providing the highest quality Staffing, Recruiting and Managed Services to our customers nationwide, to create greater efficiencies, better results and effective communications to improve their talent access and worker effectiveness while finding solutions for workflow and process improvement.

Talk today to your Compass Tech recruiter. If the immediate job opportunities from our 100+ active client companies is not readily apparent, CTI’s team will stick with you to find the right opportunity, or guide you to improve your process to find success. And via that, a brighter career path.

Full-time