Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Lead Inverter Engineer

Job Description

The Lead Project Engineer plays a key role in launching new electric vehicle (xEV) inverter manufacturing lines during a period of rapid growth. This newly created position sits within the regional xEV Project Engineering team and leads inverter equipment and process implementation from initial concept through mass production. The role focuses on large capital manufacturing projects, driving equipment installation, facility integration, and production readiness for high‑volume inverter modules.

Responsibilities

+ Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of inverter manufacturing equipment and processes from concept through mass production.

+ Own and manage large CAPEX manufacturing projects, typically ranging from approximately $5M to $20M or more, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and successful integration into the facility.

+ Manage equipment suppliers and system integrators, including writing detailed equipment specifications, confirming equipment readiness, and supporting line approval and buyoff activities.

+ Take a lead role in equipment installation and project setup on the manufacturing floor, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration and startup.

+ Support the development of production technology, including defining process requirements, equipment capabilities, and resource needs to meet launch and volume targets.

+ Contribute to resource planning and launch requirements, ensuring that staffing, equipment, and infrastructure are aligned with project timelines and production goals.

+ Participate in new business evaluations and quotation activities, providing technical input on inverter products, processes, equipment concepts, and capital requirements.

+ Evaluate new inverter products, processes, and equipment, dedicating a significant portion of time to assessing feasibility, manufacturability, and risk (approximately 40% of the role).

+ Support the development of technology, resource plans, and production requirements for new programs and process changes (approximately 30% of the role).

+ Support new business opportunities by contributing technical and process insights to quotations, planning, and project proposals (approximately 20% of the role).

+ Troubleshoot and resolve mass production equipment problems, develop robust corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement of inverter manufacturing lines (approximately 5% of the role).

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, and equipment reliability.

+ Prepare and maintain project schedules, budgets, and status reports, communicating progress, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.

+ Perform other duties as assigned to support corporate objectives and the broader xEV manufacturing strategy.

Essential Skills

+ 7-10+ years of experience leading CAPEX manufacturing projects focused on equipment installation and facility integration, typically in the $5M-$20M+ range and not lower than approximately $1M.

+ Proven experience managing equipment suppliers and system integrators, including writing detailed specifications, confirming equipment readiness, and supporting line approval and buyoff.

+ Strong project ownership and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage schedules, identify risks, and execute contingency plans to meet launch targets.

+ Broad manufacturing process knowledge with the ability to step into a lead role on equipment installation and project setup in a production environment.

+

Experience with equipment installation, equipment validation, and integration of electromechanical systems into production lines.

+ Proficient in CAPEX planning and execution within a manufacturing engineering context.

+ Experience driving process improvement activities in a production setting.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Ability to make quick, accurate, data-driven decisions using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

+ Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering collaboration across multiple departments and functions.

+ Work experience in the automotive industry, ideally with emphasis on electro-mechanical devices and systems.

+ Experience leading cross-functional projects and obtaining support from multiple departments and organizational levels.

+ Ability to prepare detailed project schedules, manage budgets, and create clear, concise technical and project reports.

+ Strong communication skills for interacting with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

+ Comfort working with both technical details and high-level project planning in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment

The role is based at a modern Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility in Greenfield, Indiana, supporting global original equipment manufacturers. The work environment combines time on the manufacturing floor with time in an office and meeting spaces. You will…