Mechanical Project Leader

Job Description

Mechanical Project Leader

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite, Manufacturing Environment)

Compensation: $80K–$120K base + benefits

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Type: Full-time Technical Leadership Role High-Impact Project Delivery

Sector: Heavy Industrial Manufacturing (Paper Mill)

About The Company

This global manufacturing leader operates one of the highest-output papermills in the region and is committed to innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement. With a focus on operational excellence and reliability, the team is seeking a Mechanical Project Leader to drive capital and maintenance-related projects that directly support plant performance and safety.

The Opportunity

This role blends mechanical engineering, problem-solving, and hands-on project management in a high-performance industrial setting. You'll lead the full lifecycle of mechanical projects—from troubleshooting root causes to vendor engagement and final execution. You'll also help align reliability goals and ensure improvements are embedded into future operations.

What You'll Do

Project Leadership & Execution

Lead mechanical projects from scoping through completion, including timelines, resources, and contractor oversight

Own post-root cause implementation of mechanical solutions and preventative improvements

Coordinate vendor engagement, RFQs, and quotation reviews to support sourcing decisions

Technical & Maintenance Support

Partner with reliability and maintenance teams to resolve recurring mechanical issues

Provide engineering support during complex troubleshooting efforts

Review and optimize predictive maintenance strategies within SAP CMMS

Cross-Functional Coordination

Align project goals with internal stakeholders across maintenance, operations, and EH&S

Communicate clearly across departments and vendors to maintain alignment and progress

Champion safety, quality, and efficiency throughout project lifecycles

Continuous Improvement

Support and enhance core maintenance processes including Defect Handling and Breakdown Elimination

Embed Lean Production System principles into project planning and execution

You'd Be a Great Fit If You Have:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering + active PE license (U.S.-licensed)

5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering project roles in industrial settings

Strong skills in CMMS systems (preferably SAP) for planning and execution

Demonstrated critical thinking and root cause analysis capabilities

Experience using MS Project or equivalent for scheduling and project management

Clear, concise communicator across technical and non-technical teams

Bonus Points For:

Experience in pulp and paper, chemicals, or heavy manufacturing sectors

Background in capital project delivery within operational facilities

Familiarity with vendor negotiations, bid evaluations, and contractor management

Why Join Us

Lead essential projects that directly impact plant performance and reliability

Work in a facility committed to safety, operational excellence, and professional growth

Contribute to a forward-thinking, engineering-led culture with strong team collaboration

MilSpec Talent is a boutique headhunting firm that helps our clients get connected with top talent in the industry. We work with mid-career, industry-experienced Veterans with 3-15 years of proven success in the private sector. For our contingency recruitment partners, we provide this value with minimal risk.

Full-time