Project Engineer

Energy Talent Search is working with a manufacturing company in the Anaheim area that’s continuing to invest heavily in plant modernization, automation, and operational infrastructure improvements across its manufacturing operations. This is a highly visible engineering role supporting electrical systems, controls, instrumentation, and capital project execution inside a complex industrial manufacturing environment.

The company operates within highly engineered materials and specialty manufacturing environments serving industries tied to aerospace, advanced industrial applications, energy transition technologies, and next-generation manufacturing. They’re looking for someone who can operate independently inside a plant environment, manage projects from concept through commissioning, and work closely with operations, maintenance, contractors, vendors, and leadership teams.

This is NOT a purely desk-based design engineering role. The environment is much more focused on: plant execution automation modernization electrical infrastructure operational reliability controls integration capital project delivery What You’ll Actually Be Doing Leading plant-based electrical and automation projects tied to manufacturing operations, equipment upgrades, reliability improvements, and infrastructure modernization Managing projects from initial planning through commissioning and operational turnover Supporting automation systems tied to manufacturing equipment, process lines, and plant operations Working heavily with PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, instrumentation, MCCs, VFDs, industrial controls, and power distribution systems Coordinating contractors, integrators, electricians, vendors, and internal operations teams throughout project execution Driving project schedules, budgets, procurement activities, technical reviews, and implementation timelines Supporting commissioning, troubleshooting, startup activities, testing, and operational integration Assisting with instrumentation, calibration processes, controls troubleshooting, and overall manufacturing support as needed Helping improve plant reliability, operational efficiency, and modernization initiatives tied to automation and controls Supporting projects involving machine controls, industrial networking, electrical upgrades, and process improvement efforts What the Role Feels Like Highly hands-on engineering environment tied closely to real manufacturing operations Mix of project execution, automation support, plant modernization, troubleshooting, and operational improvement work Visible role internally with strong interaction across engineering, operations, maintenance, and leadership teams Fast-moving manufacturing environment where priorities can shift quickly based on operational demands and project timelines Strong balance between technical engineering work and practical plant execution Why This Role Stands Out Opportunity to work inside a technically sophisticated manufacturing environment rather than a basic production facility Exposure to automation, modernization, IIOT initiatives, and advanced industrial technologies High project ownership and visibility Stable global organization with significant investment in manufacturing operations and engineering infrastructure Strong long-term career growth potential within advanced manufacturing and industrial engineering environments Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering strongly preferred Roughly 7+ years of experience inside industrial or manufacturing environments Minimum 3+ years of experience leading or heavily supporting capital projects Strong background involving: automation controls instrumentation industrial electrical systems manufacturing operations Experience with: PLCs SCADA/HMI systems MCCs VFDs industrial controls power distribution systems Experience with platforms such as: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Siemens Schneider or similar industrial automation environments Strong understanding of: commissioning electrical troubleshooting contractor/vendor coordination project execution manufacturing equipment and process lines Ability to operate independently and communicate effectively with operations, maintenance, vendors, contractors, and leadership Experience inside continuous processes or complex manufacturing environments is highly attractive Candidates coming strictly from commercial construction, utility-only environments, consulting engineering firms, or purely office-based design engineering roles likely will NOT be a fit.

Benefits

$110K – $155 depending on background and overall fit 8% bonus opportunity Full benefits package included Potential sign-on assistance may be available in certain situations Anaheim-area onsite role No relocation assistance being offered Long-term growth opportunity within a global advanced manufacturing organization