Project Engineer (Athol) (Personal Services)

The Project Engineer is responsible for following IFG standards and systems in completing the design, engineering, detailing, and documentation for R&D special projects, new processing equipment, capital projects, and major maintenance projects involving new and/or modification to existing wood products processing lines & equipment. The Project Engineer also supports efforts at all mill locations, the IFG Central Fab Shop (CFS) manufacturing needs and will be required to travel and work the hours necessary to assist the CFS field team in operating at its optimum production and efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Design and model machine assemblies and components.
• Analyze performance of various machines to improve, refine, and adjust as needed.
• Provide engineering assistance on all aspects of new construction and capital projects including conceptual planning, concrete, utilities, structural steel design, mechanical and residuals, etc.
• Interface and/or manage consultants, equipment suppliers, contractors and vendors.
• Maintain working knowledge of structural mechanics and the ability to perform stress analysis on machinery and components.
• Serve as a liaison between operations teams and the project management team.
• Assist in start-up and commissioning of new equipment.
• Analyze, as needed, production bottlenecks and repetitive maintenance problems to increase productivity, help reduce downtime and costs, and increase mill efficiency.
• Gather field information (equipment cycle times, models, capacities, site surveys, dimensions).
• Review equipment designs, draft/check/approve drawings, perform calculations for design.
• Research and keep current on latest available technology and materials for possible uses in the mills.
• Arrange and participate in benchmark tours of other mills to review and report on equipment installations.
• Review and write technical reports, specifications and proposals.
• Develop mill layouts and concept drawings.
• Assist with the preparation of project scopes, budgets, and schedules.
• Assist in selecting vendors and equipment, which includes preparation of specifications for machinery and equipment, requests for quotes, analyze orders, and making purchase recommendations.
• Monitor, update and implement specifications to reflect current building, fire, insurance underwriter and governmental codes.
• Support safety procedures and practices at each plant and ensure that contractor safety standards are met.
• Assist mill Environmental Coordinators with annual spreadsheet updates and emission calculations.
• Plan and participate in new equipment permitting.
• File, organize, maintain current project files and past records for assistance with future upgrades, equipment trouble shooting, and warranty issues.
• Other duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2+ years of engineering experience including project management experience in an industrial setting.
• Technical skills:
  • Strong 3D modeling skills with 3D SolidWorks and AUTOCAD.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel PowerPoint, MS Project.
• Skills:
  • Possess a strong understanding of statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and machine design.
  • Self-motivated and the ability to prioritize work on multiple projects, with minimal input.
  • Strong problem assessment/risk analysis skills.
• Soft Skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
  • Must be able to relate well with personnel at all levels at the plant locations as well as outside contractors.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Adaptability in fast-paced environments with shifting project priorities.
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability from concept to commissioning.
  • Strong awareness of workplace safety, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable motor vehicle history for business travel in company vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with lumber mill processes, forest products manufacturing, or capital projects in wood products.
• Previous experience managing contractors or field teams in an industrial setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – occasional
• Twist upper body – occasional
• Stoop - occasional
• Repetitive use of hands – frequent for clerical duties
• Stand/walk – occasional
• Sit – frequent
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).
• Frequent travel to remote or rugged mill locations is required; must be comfortable working in both office and field settings.
• Work schedules may vary depending on project needs, including occasional nights and weekends during critical construction phases.

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Maintenance