Senior Project Engineer - Capital Projects

Charter Manufacturing•Woodstock, IL

2d•$100,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Engineer – Capital Projects leads and manages capital engineering projects across Charter Casting’s manufacturing facilities in Woodstock, Illinois, and Shawano, Wisconsin. Projects typically range from $250,000 to $1 million and may vary in size and complexity. They include equipment design and upgrades, as well as brownfield and greenfield initiatives that support operational improvements and strategic business objectives. The role manages projects end to end, from concept development, scoping, and capital justification through engineering design, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, documentation, training, and closeout. The engineer applies technical expertise, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional leadership to develop solutions across multiple disciplines. Working with operations, maintenance, engineering teams, and external contractors, the position is responsible for helping deliver projects safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with business needs. The position is based in Woodstock, Illinois, or Shawano, Wisconsin, and supports projects at both facilities. Travel is approximately 25% or more, varying with project location and requirements, and may include visits to both facilities, equipment vendors, and other project-related locations. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
Seven or more years of direct project management experience in manufacturing.
Experience using a variety of data to drive decisions.
Experience with capital equipment procurement, including detailed RFQ generation and ROI analytics.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.
Proven project management skills leading multiple initiatives at various levels.
Change-management skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical concepts.
Proficiency in 2D CAD drafting software, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Willingness to travel 25% or more.
Ability to meet essential job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a technical discipline or a PMP certificate.
Advanced knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, combustion, machining, mechanical, or electrical systems.
Experience working with Technology, Digital, and Automation Teams.
Strong experience in the foundry or metals industry, preferably involving cast iron, green sand molding, and no-bake processes.
Experience with large brownfield or greenfield projects.
Program management experience with large strategic initiatives spanning the business and delivering new capabilities.
Prior supervisory experience.
Proficiency in 3D CAD drafting software, such as SolidWorks.
Training in continuous improvement methodologies, such as Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Lead major initiatives across the business and functions to advance strategic objectives, including long-term growth initiatives.
Work with individual plants to review and develop economical designs and implementation plans for major initiatives and scoped projects.
Serve as an engineering lead and role model within the engineering group.
Liaise between operations, maintenance, and outside contractors to implement initiatives and projects.
Identify engineering needs for key business stakeholders.
Teach and coach employees across the business on engineering projects and technical problem-solving.
Align stakeholders, remove barriers, coordinate cross-functional execution, and drive adoption to deliver sustainable business impact.
Use internal and external resources and lead them through project phases.
Follow Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System procedures and requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.