Projects Engineer

As a Projects Engineer at American Ordnance, you will take the lead in managing the entire lifecycle of equipment projects, ranging from the initial concept and design phase through to successful delivery and implementation. Your role will include handling a diverse array of projects such as small-scale equipment modifications, upgrades, and the complete design and execution of production cells. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including process engineers, facilities engineers, and project managers to clearly define project goals, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and operational requirements.

Situated at our Middletown, IA site, this position offers the opportunity to influence manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness through innovative project leadership and strategic coordination. You will be instrumental in bringing technical concepts into practical, operational realities that support our mission of delivering high-quality munitions products.

Our environment embraces cutting-edge engineering practices, and you will have the chance to harness state-of-the-art tools and technologies to innovate and streamline production processes. This role offers a dynamic work experience that combines technical proficiency, project management, and continuous improvement efforts to meet the evolving demands of the defense manufacturing industry.

• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of new capital projects, ensuring adherence to established timeframes and budget constraints. Projects vary in complexity from equipment upgrades to the design and construction of entire production cells.
• Develop comprehensive project scopes, identify equipment requirements, and oversee the sourcing, installation, and commissioning phases, ensuring all project milestones are achieved with precision and quality.
• Create detailed equipment specifications and commissioning plans, guaranteeing compliance with manufacturing needs as well as safety and regulatory standards.
• Engage actively in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance process efficiencies and champion automation strategies throughout the plant.
• Collaborate closely with safety, environmental, and sustainability teams to uphold a safe workplace and minimize environmental impact.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions by implementing durable and effective solutions that reduce downtime and improve process reliability.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects effectively, coordinating professional services, contractor work, and construction activities to meet strategic goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing proactively to team efforts and organizational success.

• Strong technical expertise in engineering principles, supported by excellent written and verbal communication skills essential for leading meetings, presentations, and cross-functional collaborations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize responsibilities efficiently, and drive continuous process enhancements.
• Demonstrates initiative and a hands-on approach, capable of advancing projects from conceptualization through to successful implementation while motivating teams and stakeholders.
• Passionate about commissioning new equipment and refining manufacturing processes, with a focus on training colleagues to ensure seamless operations.
• Preferred qualification includes holding a Government Secret Clearance or being eligible to obtain one, facilitating work on sensitive and classified projects.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution, demonstrating a solid foundational knowledge in engineering concepts and applications.
• Experience: At least 3 years of hands-on experience in production environment project management, with demonstrated expertise in automated processes and discrete manufacturing contexts.
• Licenses/Certifications: Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license featuring the federal designation (gold or black star), confirming eligibility for site access and travel needs.

Applicants may be required to fulfill additional qualifications, including those mandated by external regulatory or contractual requirements as part of the selection and onboarding process.

In accordance with state pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $76,080 to $114,120. This range reflects factors such as experience, geographic location, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, although exact compensation is subject to negotiation.

Ready to advance your engineering career? Apply today and join our dedicated team!

Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees' individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:

* Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery.

* Balancing (e.g. maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc.)

* Stooping (e.g. bending the spine at the waist)

* Reaching (e.g. reaching the arms or legs in any direction)

* Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 15 pounds

* Walking

* Repetitive motion of any part of the body

* Kneeling, crouching or crawling

* Pushing or pulling (e.g. using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction or in a dragging or hauling motion)

* Manual Dexterity (e.g. picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses fingers)

* Grasping (e.g. use of hand to apply pressure)

* Feeling (e.g. perceiving an object's size, shape, texture, etc.)

* Climbing (e.g. ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, pole, etc. using feet and legs and hands/arms to climb)

* Hearing

* Talking

* Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time.

* Ability to read complex documents in the English language.

* Capacity to reason and make sound decisions.

* Ability to write complex documents in the English language.

* Capacity to express thoughts orally.

* Expertise in: EXCEL, WORD, CADD (Revit/Bentley)

* Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment.

* Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company's office or worksite.

* Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g. extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)