Senior Project Engineer

Buckhorn•Buckhorn, MO

About The Position

The Senior Project Engineer works closely with the Plant Manager and Technical Services team to improve plant efficiency and operating run time. The role applies engineering theory, manufacturing methods, and problem-solving techniques to improve equipment performance and related processes. Working with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering departments, the engineer supports improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction. The position provides engineering expertise for manufacturing and facility improvements, drives capital projects, and leads the maintenance department in daily responsibilities, preventive maintenance, and project completion. It also serves as a strategic support partner to the Plant Manager and executive team, provides guidance and training to shop-floor employees, and oversees outsourced work to ensure it meets budget, accuracy, and schedule expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical education.
7–10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success working in or leading cross-functional teams, including project management.
Proven track record of driving significant efficiency improvements and cost-reduction efforts.
Ability to interpret electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic schematics.
Ability to use CAD to update plant-floor layouts and review tooling and part drawings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle opposing opinions and guide teams toward good outcomes.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD).
Ability to perform mathematical operations to arrive at a solution.
Knowledge of problem-solving techniques, brainstorming, kaizen events, and value stream mapping, with a focus on win-win solutions.
Creative problem-solving ability and strong analytical skills.
Project-management skills, including meeting deadlines and staying within budget.
Ability to develop project charters with schedules and costs for capital projects.
Product knowledge related to specifications and quality requirements.
Well-organized, self-starting approach and strong time-management skills.
Passion for continuous improvement and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Experience in injection molding or plastic processing, such as industrial packaging, material handling, plastic containers, pallets, or packaging-centric applications.

Responsibilities

Help drive safety improvements that reduce ergonomic and other risk areas.
Develop and implement cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods that meet product specifications and quality standards.
Support manufacturing processes, equipment, and new product introductions at both plants, including resolving daily interruptions, improving processes, and coordinating cross-functional implementation of equipment and procedures.
Lead the maintenance department and its team members, including daily responsibilities, monthly preventive maintenance, and project completion.
Provide technical and engineering support to production at both plants by responding to line disruptions and issues.
Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layouts.
Manage projects from start to finish, including multi-level projects.
Develop and maintain quality programs and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) expectations.
Manage machine tooling and coordinate with external vendors on tooling maintenance, replacement, and improvement.
Conduct site visits to external vendors and contractors.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and work with suppliers and vendors to reduce material costs through engineering solutions.
Recommend and implement improvements to production processes, methods, and controls.
Create and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Perform return-on-investment calculations and compare machine and equipment proposals through financial and design analyses.
Maintain part drawings and their revisions, materials, processes, and part numbers.
Participate in product-line simplification and its ongoing management.
Lead teams working on projects, manufacturing improvements, and training.
Oversee outsourced work to ensure costs align with budget and work is performed accurately and on time.
Support the Quality department with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.