Project Engineer

Vulcan Materials Company•Piedmont, SC

34d

About The Position

The Project Engineer is an experienced mechanical engineering role focused on the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and optimization of machinery and equipment used to extract, process, and transport aggregates. The role supports efficient, safe, and compliant operations at aggregate facilities, and involves hands-on engineering and project oversight from concept through construction. The engineer works with heavy machinery in demanding environments and coordinates multidisciplinary teams, contractors, vendors, and stakeholders, communicating with plant operators through vice presidents. The position manages mechanical CAPEX projects and provides engineering and operational support to plant personnel. It also develops and recommends design and construction standards, supports construction activities, ensures compliance with applicable codes and safety and environmental requirements, and maintains technical and project documentation. Site visits and field operations support are part of the role. Typical work is at least 40 hours per week, with hours driven by project schedules and deadlines. Overnight travel is less than 10–15%, usually no more than two consecutive nights unless project needs require.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar field.
Minimum 5 years of mechanical engineering experience; heavy industrial and mining project experience is preferred.
Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Proficiency in engineering software, including spreadsheets and word processing.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Demonstrated project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues.
Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
Familiarity with mining operations.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license; preferred but not required.
Mechanical engineering experience involving heavy industrial and mining projects.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and modify mechanical systems and components for aggregate processing plants, including crushers, screens, conveyors, washing equipment, and stockpiling systems.
Create and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications using CAD software; select materials and components suited to abrasive, high-wear environments.
Oversee installation and commissioning of new and upgraded mechanical equipment and systems, ensuring they meet design specifications, safety standards, and operational requirements.
Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
Troubleshoot equipment failures, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and analyze performance data to identify improvements.
Manage and schedule maintenance activities in coordination with maintenance teams and external contractors.
Manage mechanical CAPEX projects, developing project scopes, budgets, timelines, estimates, proposals, and schedules and monitoring schedule, quality, and costs.
Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, contractors, Procurement, internal teams, and external designers; assist with contractor selection and review contractor work.
Provide technical support and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel, visit sites, conduct inspections, and support field operations.
Optimize plant layouts and process flows, and investigate and resolve mechanical equipment issues affecting operations.
Ensure designs, operations, and maintenance comply with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards, including MSHA regulations; conduct risk assessments and promote safety improvements and a strong safety culture.
Develop and recommend division-wide design and construction standards; provide engineering design services while ensuring code compliance.
Support construction projects by securing permits, recommending equipment and materials, consulting on construction methods, and reviewing completed work and design changes for compliance.
Identify process improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains; stay current with technologies and industry practices; develop and test alternative designs and processing methods.
Maintain equipment records, maintenance logs, project reports, technical drawings, and other documentation; prepare reports on equipment performance, project status, and maintenance activities.
Collaborate with teams and demonstrate integrity, ownership, sound judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to high-quality work.