Project Engineer

Project Engineer Lead capital projects end‑to‑end—from conceptual design through start‑up—at a fast‑moving manufacturing site. If you’re a builder of systems who loves turning design into operations, this role gives you the ownership , visibility , and hands‑on impact to deliver real outcomes across mechanical, electrical, and controls. What you’ll do Own capital projects from scoping and estimating through commissioning and plant acceptance—on time and on budget.

Coordinate MEP construction and cross‑functional teams (OEM technicians, contractors of all trades, plant personnel). Design/spec equipment & panels (OEM equipment, automation panels, hardware) and manage P&ID reviews. Lead installation & I/O checkout , start‑up, and acceptance testing; drive field execution with clear timelines. Develop and maintain schedules & cost controls : WBS, scheduling reports, cost/cash‑flow forecasts, change orders.

Guide controls & automation : direction/support for PLC ladder logic and HMI applications; collaborate with corporate controls/automation on network integration and controls work. Mentor and elevate engineers, maintenance, and operations with practical technical leadership. What you’ll bring 5+ years managing projects (construction management / mechanical engineering experience). Strong project coordination and vendor/contractor direction in plant construction environments.

Rockwell commissioning and ladder logic proficiency; experience with Siemens PLCs . Clear, professional communication—written and verbal—with a polished, on‑site presence. Nice to have Bachelor’s in Engineering (or equivalent experience). Start‑up/installation of process and/or packaging equipment. AutoCAD familiarity; strong Word/Excel/MS Project skills. Experience with Wonderware , Archestra System Platform , and/or MES .

Experience leading large capital initiatives. Why you’ll love it Scope & autonomy: You’ll be the point person from concept to commissioning. Modern tech stack: Rockwell + Siemens, enterprise controls, real production impact. Cross‑site exposure: Collaborate with OEMs and multiple facilities; mentor teams; build repeatable playbooks. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. A no-deductible, $0 premium option for employee-only health coverage. 401(k) with 50% company match on first 8% of earnings you contribute.

Safe harbor and profit-sharing company contributions to 401(k). Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage. Company paid 2X annual salary life and AD&D insurance. 4 weeks annual paid time off. Extra time off for volunteering. Tuition reimbursement. Fitness membership reimbursement Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 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 protecte