Project Specialist

Rolls-Royce•Mankato, MN

About The Position

The Project Specialist provides technical leadership for complex new genset development programs from concept through production launch. Working across global, cross-functional teams, the role sets technical direction, manages risk, and resolves engineering challenges to meet performance, quality, cost, and timing objectives. The position is a key contributor to delivering next-generation power generation solutions through strong technical execution and leadership. The role serves as the technical leader and primary engineering authority for assigned programs, establishing product architecture, engineering requirements, and technical direction. It integrates engineering and business functions, leads plans and design reviews, oversees verification, validation, design changes, and production readiness, and communicates program status while supporting engineering team development.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related Engineering discipline and 7+ years of product design and development experience in power generation, heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial applications; OR
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related Engineering discipline and 5+ years of relevant product design and development experience; OR
Master’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related Engineering discipline and 3+ years of relevant product design and development experience; OR
JD/PhD Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related Engineering discipline.
Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident and authorized to work for any U.S. employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading complex product development programs through the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, validation, production release, product launch, and structured stage-gate development.
Expertise in product validation, systems integration, configuration and change management, manufacturing processes, and technical risk management in a regulated engineering environment.
Ability to lead cross-functional and global engineering teams and drive product development initiatives, supplier qualification, product localization, and stakeholder alignment across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and business functions.
Knowledge of mechanical system design, thermal management, vibration control, structural analysis, manufacturing, and assembly processes, with the ability to balance performance, quality, cost, manufacturability, and schedule.
Knowledge of power generation industry standards, regulatory requirements, and certifications, including UL, NFPA, IEC, EPA, CARB, and CE.
Formal project or program management experience; PMP, Agile, or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical leader and primary engineering authority for assigned genset development programs, owning technical execution from concept through production launch.
Establish product architecture, engineering requirements, and technical direction in alignment with performance, quality, cost, schedule, and business objectives.
Lead cross-functional integration across Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Software, Validation, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Product Configuration teams to deliver integrated, manufacturable, and serviceable products.
Drive engineering plans, design reviews, stage-gate readiness, and key technical decisions.
Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks proactively.
Oversee verification, validation, design changes, and production readiness activities.
Partner with stakeholders to resolve complex challenges, communicate program status, and support engineering team development.