Great benefits including: Medical, Dental Vision and Life Insurance; Paid Time Off; Paid Holidays; 401k & ESOP; Profit Sharing; Tuition Reimbursement and more!

Project Engineer – Manufacturing & New Product Introduction

Purpose of the Role

The Project Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring production readiness for new product launches and delivering robust engineering solutions into manufacturing. This position leads initiatives that address operational and technical challenges while scaling solutions across multiple manufacturing facilities.

As a key contributor on cross-functional teams—including New Product Development (NPD), Quality, Reliability, and Manufacturing—you will approach projects with a product mindset, embracing a fast-fail, fast-learn philosophy and taking ownership of solutions from concept through full adoption on the factory floor.

Key Accountabilities

Production Readiness & New Product Support

• Participate as an active member of New Product Development teams from the Concept phase through startup and final handoff to manufacturing plants.
• Lead production readiness activities by partnering with Manufacturing to ensure equipment, documentation, and training are in place for successful full-scale production.
• Support local manufacturing teams by troubleshooting startup and validation challenges related to new product introductions.
• Lead the Deployment phase of assigned projects by defining deliverables, assigning responsibilities, and driving accountability across teams.

Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation

• Continuously assess current manufacturing processes and workflows to identify opportunities for advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Plan and execute the development, deployment, and scaling of new manufacturing solutions that:
  • Remove non-value-added work from the front line
  • Increase production capacity
  • Reduce manufacturing costs
• Serve as a technical advisor to plant engineering teams on advanced manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop and implement digital solutions that modernize manual processes using approved digital architectures.

Engineering Project Management & Solution Delivery

• Manage projects to meet defined timelines, budgets, and success criteria while balancing risk and available resources.
• Support projects onsite with hands-on engagement and real-time problem solving.
• Act as a subject matter expert, supporting local teams when additional expertise is needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to support co-development efforts and stay current on emerging technologies.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience, including project management responsibility
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with a data-driven decision-making approach
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and influence without formal authority
• Willingness to travel approximately 40%

Preferred

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with automation, robotics, PLC programming, or related industrial systems
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a collaborative, people-focused organization that values teamwork, continuous learning, and shared success. We empower our engineers to take ownership, innovate boldly, and make a meaningful impact—while working alongside supportive colleagues who value doing the right thing together.

Why Rehrig Pacific?

Rehrig Pacific is a leading manufacturer of integrated sustainable solutions for the supply chain and environmental waste industries with a diverse customer list of industry leaders. We provide end-to-end solutions including returnable plastic products, delivery lifts and sleds, technology to track those assets, and a service team to ensure their longevity. Our team is dedicated to the values, mission, and unique culture within our organization that celebrates our people. We believe in fostering an environment where employees can be their authentic selves and know that they are viewed as integral members of the Rehrig Pacific Family.