Project Engineer - Coating

ebm-papst, Inc.

Job Description

Job Title:    Project Engineer – Powder Coat Painting

Position Summary

The Project Engineer is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and commissioning of a new powder coat painting line installation within a manufacturing facility. The role oversees all phases of the project from concept development and equipment specification through installation, startup, qualification, and handoff to operations. The Project Engineer serves as the primary technical lead between equipment suppliers, contractors, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, EHS, and corporate management.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead end-to-end execution of powder coating line installation projects.
• Develop project scope, objectives, budget, and schedules.
• Manage capital expenditure (CapEx) projects ranging from equipment procurement through startup.
• Monitor project milestones and provide regular status updates to management.
• Identify and mitigate project risks affecting cost, schedule, safety, or performance.
• Coordinate multiple contractors and vendors during installation activities.
• Manage change orders and project documentation.

Engineering & Design

• Develop equipment specifications and technical requirements for: 
  • Powder coating booths
  • Pretreatment systems
  • Dry-off ovens
  • Cure ovens
  • Conveyor systems
  • Powder recovery systems
  • Material handling systems
  • Compressed air systems
  • Environmental control equipment
• Review vendor proposals and recommend equipment selections.
• Coordinate plant layout development and material flow optimization.
• Ensure facility utilities support equipment requirements including: 
  • Electrical power distribution
  • Natural gas systems
  • Compressed air
  • Water and wastewater treatment
  • Ventilation and exhaust systems
• Review and approve engineering drawings and contractor submittals.

Construction & Installation Management

• Oversee site preparation and facility modifications.
• Coordinate equipment delivery, rigging, and installation.
• Manage contractor safety and permit compliance.
• Verify installation quality against engineering specifications.
• Conduct progress inspections and acceptance reviews.
• Coordinate utility tie-ins and startup activities.

Process Development & Validation

• Support development of powder coating process parameters.
• Establish coating quality standards and performance requirements.
• Coordinate initial process trials and optimization.
• Validate system performance against production requirements.
• Develop operating procedures and maintenance standards.
• Assist in establishing preventive maintenance programs.

Commissioning & Startup

• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities.
• Lead Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Coordinate startup schedules and production ramp-up plans.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues during commissioning.
• Verify equipment performance metrics including: 
  • Throughput rates
  • Transfer efficiency
  • Coating thickness consistency
  • Cure performance
  • Production uptime
• Manage final project closeout and turnover to operations.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA requirements for powder coating operations.
• Coordinate environmental permitting requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety reviews.
• Support implementation of machine guarding and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Verify explosion prevention and fire suppression systems meet applicable standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in (either): 
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering

Experience

• 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments.
• 3+ years managing capital equipment installation projects.
• Experience with industrial finishing systems preferred.
• Experience with automated production lines strongly preferred.
• Experience managing contractors and external vendors.

Technical Skills (experience preferred – but not required)

• Industrial process equipment installation.
• Powder coating or paint finishing systems.
• Conveyor systems.
• Industrial ovens and thermal processes.
• Pretreatment and washing systems.
• CAD software and layout development.
• Project scheduling software (MS Project, Primavera, etc.).
• Budget and cost management.
• Industrial utility systems.

Key Competencies

• Project leadership
• Budget management
• Technical problem solving
• Communication skills
• Vendor management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Risk assessment
• Time management
• Negotiation skills
• Continuous improvement mindset

Physical Requirements

• Frequent presence in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE including welding PPE when necessary.
• Occasional travel to suppliers and customer locations.

Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; HSA options; life and disability insurance; voluntary supplemental benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions; and paid time off.