Senior Project Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Project Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Project Engineer leads the design, analysis, and troubleshooting of heavy industrial rotary equipment systems from concept through installation and startup. This role provides technical leadership to designers and field service technicians, serves as a key technical resource for internal teams and customers, and ensures that complex mechanical systems operate reliably and efficiently. The position combines hands-on engineering with project leadership, customer interaction, and frequent field work.

Responsibilities

+ Lead mechanical design, analysis, and continuous improvement projects for heavy industrial equipment and rotating machinery.

+ Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform detailed root cause and failure analysis, and develop effective corrective solutions.

+ Provide technical leadership, guidance, and direction to designers, field service technicians, and other engineering staff.

+ Develop, review, and approve 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using AutoCAD 3D and other CAD software.

+ Support and participate in field inspections, measurements, equipment installations, and commissioning activities.

+ Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates clearly to customers, field personnel, and cross-functional internal teams.

+ Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, fabrication, and sales teams to ensure successful and timely project execution.

+ Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, maintaining quality, safety, and schedule expectations.

+ Travel 30%-50% to customer sites to support inspections, troubleshooting, installation, and startup activities as needed.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

+ Multiple years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy industrial equipment, rotating machinery, or similar environments.

+ Strong mechanical troubleshooting, failure analysis, and problem-solving skills.

+ Proficiency with AutoCAD 3D and other 3D CAD design software.

+ Experience leading designers, technicians, or engineering teams in a project environment.

+ Strong project engineering and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, field personnel, and leadership.

+ Hands-on experience with mechanical design and mechanical engineering in industrial applications.

+ Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for complex mechanical issues.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with kilns, dryers, conveyors, pressure vessels, or other heavy industrial process equipment.

+ Knowledge of applicable industrial codes, finite element analysis (FEA), and industrial field measurement practices.

+ Experience in equipment installation, commissioning, or field service operations.

+ Proficiency with additional CAD tools such as Solid Works and Autodesk Inventor.

+ Strong communication and people skills with a customer-centric mindset.

+ Experience working on heavy industrial equipment and rotating machinery in field and shop environments.

Work Environment

The role operates within a small, collaborative engineering team in a company that emphasizes a customer-centric mindset and a commitment to getting work done correctly the first time. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to start earlier or later as needed, and the position is structured as a 40-hour workweek with limited overtime.

The work environment includes a mix of office-based design and documentation work using AutoCAD 3D and other CAD tools, along with regular field visits to customer sites for inspections, measurements, installations, and commissioning. Travel is required approximately 30%-50% of the time, typically in 2-3 day trips and occasionally 4-5 day trips, with no weekend travel expected; a daily per diem is provided during travel and expenses are reimbursed.

The dress code is business casual to casual, reflecting a practical, hands-on engineering culture. Performance bonuses are available, and the organization promotes a supportive environment where collaboration, quality, and customer satisfaction are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $58.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance…