Project Engineer

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Solutions Specialist / Project EngineerJob Description

This position supports custom pump and rotating equipment projects from initial quote through final delivery. The role suits a hands-on project engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing project management, mechanical problem-solving, reverse engineering, and design support. You will coordinate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure complex, engineered-to-order projects are delivered accurately, on time, and in line with customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple custom-engineered projects simultaneously from release through completion, ensuring alignment with scope and customer requirements.
• Develop detailed project schedules and establish realistic deadlines based on project scope, engineering requirements, materials availability, and production capacity.
• Support project estimating and quoting activities by evaluating labor, materials, manufacturing requirements, and engineering effort.
• Coordinate activities between Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Production, Inside Sales, and Planning teams to maintain project momentum and clear communication.
• Monitor project status, track progress, and identify bottlenecks that could impact delivery commitments.
• Proactively resolve issues that affect schedule, scope, or execution, and drive daily project goals to keep projects on track.
• Create, modify, and redline engineering drawings using SolidWorks to support new designs, modifications, and custom configurations.
• Support reverse engineering efforts for customer equipment, repairs, rebuilds, and custom applications by analyzing existing components and assemblies.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications to ensure accurate understanding of design and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing personnel to confirm that designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with shop capabilities and processes.
• Assist with troubleshooting and technical problem-solving related to pumps, rotating equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Actively support manufacturing operations on the production floor, providing engineering guidance and clarifications as needed.
• Work closely with machinists, technicians, planners, and schedulers to support project execution and resolve day-to-day production issues.
• Participate in equipment testing and troubleshooting in the test lab to verify performance and validate design intent.
• Assist with inspections, production support activities, and project walk-throughs to ensure quality and adherence to requirements.
• Serve as a technical resource bridging engineering and manufacturing functions, helping translate design intent into practical execution.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, custom machinery, rotating equipment, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, including experience creating, modifying, and reviewing engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes, including how designs translate to production.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting project schedules, timelines, and deadlines, with the ability to prioritize and adjust as needed.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications accurately.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and production teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation, scheduling, and project follow-through.
• Ability to work both in an office environment and on the shop floor, engaging directly with production and test activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with industrial pumps and rotating equipment.
• Experience with fluid handling equipment such as pumps, compressors, or related systems.
• Background with compressors, gearboxes, motors, or other heavy industrial equipment.
• Reverse engineering experience, including analyzing existing equipment and components for redesign, repair, or replacement.
• Experience preparing project estimates and customer quotations, including evaluating labor, materials, and engineering effort.
• ERP system experience, with NetSuite experience preferred.
• Hands-on approach and comfort working closely with machinists, technicians, and shop personnel.
• Interest in working on engineered-to-order projects that require customization and problem-solving.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid setting that includes both an office environment and an active manufacturing shop floor. You will regularly collaborate with engineers, planners, and operations staff in the office while spending significant time on the production floor and in the test lab supporting equipment builds, testing, troubleshooting, and inspections. The work involves close interaction with machinists, technicians, and schedulers, and requires comfort working around industrial pumps, rotating equipment, and other heavy machinery. The environment is fast-paced, project-driven, and focused on delivering custom, engineered-to-order solutions, with frequent coordination across multiple departments and use of tools such as SolidWorks and ERP systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Blue Island, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Blue Island,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent 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 design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.