Project Manager

Job Title: Project Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer plays a pivotal role in optimizing the interconnected components of a manufacturing system within an agricultural-focused environment. This position focuses on developing and deploying projects, coordinating multiple facets of plant operations, and applying engineering standards and procedures to improve facility performance. The role involves planning, designing, estimating, and overseeing construction and maintenance activities while collaborating closely with manufacturing plant engineers to enhance facility planning and design.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and estimate time and cost for the construction and maintenance of structures, equipment, facilities, systems, and components within the manufacturing environment.
• Develop and deploy projects that support and optimize plant operations, ensuring alignment with engineering standards and procedures.
• Apply and develop engineering standards and procedures to guide construction, maintenance, and operational activities.
• Assist manufacturing plant and facilities engineers with facility planning and design, providing expertise and support to optimize operations.
• Conduct cost, inventory, and production control studies to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and resource utilization.
• Perform human factors analysis to inform facility modifications and revisions to operational methods.
• Devise methods to maximize utilization of production facilities and personnel, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
• Independently address moderately complex technical and operational issues with minimal supervision, escalating more complex problems to appropriate staff when needed.
• Oversee construction and maintenance activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and in line with specifications and quality standards.
• Interpret and work with blueprints and other technical documentation to guide construction and engineering activities.
• Support agricultural capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects through sound project engineering and construction management practices.
• Undertake other duties as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and readiness to contribute to various aspects of projects and operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in construction and construction management within an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating multiple stakeholders and activities.
• Hands-on project engineering experience, particularly in environments involving manufacturing or agricultural operations.
• Ability to work with and understand electrical systems as they relate to plant facilities and equipment.
• Experience with commercial construction projects, including interpreting and applying construction standards and codes.
• Capability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct cost, inventory, and production control studies and human factors analysis.
• Ability to independently solve moderately complex problems and make sound engineering judgments with minimal supervision.
• Forward-thinking and detail-oriented approach to optimizing manufacturing systems and facility operations.
• Minimum of two years of related work experience, demonstrating practical knowledge and expertise in project engineering or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in a related field such as engineering, construction management, or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with plant engineers, facilities teams, and construction stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs and undertake diverse duties across different aspects of operations.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and optimization of systems, processes, and facility layouts.

Work Environment

The role operates within an agricultural manufacturing setting, focusing on project engineering for facilities, equipment, and systems that support production operations. Work involves both office-based planning and analysis and on-site engagement with construction and maintenance activities. The Project Engineer collaborates closely with plant and facilities engineers, construction teams, and operations personnel, using tools such as blueprints, engineering documentation, and standard project management practices. The environment emphasizes safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in facility design and utilization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/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 Cedar Rapids,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.