Project Engineer, Automation & Mechatronics Engineer
Listed on 2026-09-10
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Engineering
Automation & Mechatronics Engineer, Systems Engineer
Project Engineer
Lead capital projects end‑to‑end—from conceptual design through start‑up—at a fast‑moving manufacturing site. If you’re a builder of systems who loves turning design into operations, this role gives you the ownership, visibility, and hands‑on impact to deliver real outcomes across mechanical, electrical, and controls.
What you’ll do- Own capital projects from scoping and estimating through commissioning and plant acceptance—on time and on budget.
- Coordinate MEP construction and cross‑functional teams (OEM technicians, contractors of all trades, plant personnel).
- Design/spec equipment & panels (OEM equipment, automation panels, hardware) and manage P&.
- Lead installation & I/O checkout, start‑up, and acceptance testing; drive field execution with clear timelines.
- Develop and maintain schedules & cost controls: WBS, scheduling reports, cost/cash‑flow forecasts, change orders.
- Guide controls & automation: direction/support for PLC ladder logic and HMI applications; collaborate with corporate controls/automation on network integration and controls work.
- Mentor and elevate engineers, maintenance, and operations with practical technical leadership.
- 5+ years managing projects (construction management / mechanical engineering experience).
- Strong project coordination and vendor/contractor direction in plant construction environments.
- Rockwell commissioning and ladder logic proficiency; experience with Siemens PLCs.
- Clear, professional communication—written and verbal—with a polished, on‑site presence.
- Bachelor’s in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Start‑up/installation of process and/or packaging equipment.
- AutoCAD familiarity; strong Word/Excel/MS Project skills.
- Experience with Wonderware, Archestra System Platform, and/or MES.
- Experience leading large capital initiatives.
- Scope & autonomy:
You’ll be the point person from concept to commissioning. - Modern tech stack:
Rockwell + Siemens, enterprise controls, real production impact. - Cross‑site exposure:
Collaborate with OEMs and multiple facilities; mentor teams; build repeatable playbooks.
- On‑site | Ames, IA (business casual).
- Travel: ~50% in the first year to Dallas and Cleveland for cross‑site learning—all travel expenses covered.
This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.
- A no‑deductible, $0 premium option for employee‑only health coverage.
- 401(k) with 50% company match on first 8% of earnings you contribute.
- Safe harbor and profit‑sharing company contributions to 401(k).
- Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Company paid 2X annual salary life and AD&D insurance.
- 4 weeks annual paid time off.
- Extra time off for volunteering.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Fitness membership reimbursement
This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.
Final date to receive applicationsThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.
About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering…
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