Project Engineer

As the Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing capital and continuous improvement projects within the paint manufacturing facility. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all environmental, health, safety (EHS), engineering, and corporate standards. The Project Engineer collaborates with teams to identify projects that improve plant performance, reliability, efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Reporting directly to the Senior Engineer & Maintenance Manager you will manage projects throughout their full lifecycle, including scope development, engineering design, budgeting, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and project closeout.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop capital and continuous improvement projects following approved scope, budget, and schedule.

• Develop detailed project plans and schedules using Microsoft Project or equivalent project management tools.

• Manage all phases of project execution, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and closeout.

• Prepare project cost estimates and maintain accurate forecasting and tracking of project spending.

• Monitor project progress and communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans to partners.

• Coordinate plant resources and external contractors to ensure successful project delivery.

• Support front-end engineering and scope development for capital and improvement projects.

• Evaluate technical designs, vendor proposals, and equipment specifications to ensure compliance with project requirements and manufacturing goals.

• Provide engineering expertise to improve manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, production capacity, and plant infrastructure.

• Develop technical documentation, project packages, engineering drawings, and equipment specifications.

• Ensure all projects and documentation comply with local, state, federal, and company engineering and EHS requirements.

• Participate in and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Process Safety Reviews (PSSR), Management of Change (MOC), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Action Tracking (ACT) processes.

• Follow the Engineering JDI process throughout all project phases.

• Ensure contractors and vendors comply with plant safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a safety culture through proactive identification and mitigation of project related risks.

• Work with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental Health & Safety, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams during project design and implementation.

• Support plant strategic programs, X-matrix goals, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Identify opportunities for capital investments that support future growth.

• Contribute to site future-state planning and long-range capital improvement strategies.

• Guide initiatives that improve safety, reliability, operational efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, eliminate waste, increase throughput, and improve process performance.

• Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and reliability-centered improvement activities where applicable.

• Complete all assigned training and professional development plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related experience.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• 3+ years of engineering or project management experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience managing capital projects from concept through implementation.

• Experience working in chemical, coatings, paint, specialty chemicals, or process manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of process equipment, material handling systems, mixing operations, pumps, tanks, piping, and industrial utilities.

• Experience with project management principles, including scope, cost, schedule, and risk management.

• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and environmental regulations applicable to manufacturing operations. Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change (MOC), PHA, PSSR, and RCA methodologies.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, and ERP systems preferred.

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD® 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.