Project Engineer

MATRIX is seeking a Project Engineer who will support the planning, execution, and technical aspects of crane and rigging projects while ensuring safety, compliance, and effective communication among teams. This role involves a combination of engineering expertise, project coordination, and hands-on support to ensure successful project outcomes. They will provide technical engineering support in the field at the Fowler, Indiana facility. They will work closely with the Project Manager, field supervisors, and client engineering teams to translate engineered solutions into practical, field-executable plans. 

PD available for those eligible. 

Duration - 12 months – with possibility of extension

Work Calendar - Currently 5-10hour days; rare weekend or evening work possible

Job site - Lebanon, IN

Key Responsibilities: 

• Perform load calculations and structural analysis to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations. 

• Assist in selecting appropriate cranes and rigging equipment based on project needs and load requirements. 

• Work with senior engineers to support the design of custom rigging solutions and equipment modifications. 

• Assist in coordinating project tasks, schedules, and resources, ensuring timely completion of crane and rigging operations. 

• Track and report on project milestones, timelines, and costs, identifying any potential delays or budget issues. 

• Support the development and management of project schedules to ensure project deadlines are met. 

• Provide technical support during lifting operations, ensuring adherence to the lift plan and safety procedures. 

• Monitor and ensure compliance with safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, ASME) during project execution. 

• Conduct risk assessments and contribute to implementing safety protocols and operational limits to mitigate hazards. 

• Perform site inspections and assist with identifying safety hazards or engineering challenges before and during lifting operations. 

• Work closely with crane operators, riggers, and other engineers to ensure smooth coordination of field operations. 

• Liaise with clients and project managers to discuss project requirements, progress, and technical solutions. 

• Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation, including lift plans, inspection reports, and change orders. 

• Assist in maintaining daily logs of activities, equipment use, and personnel on-site for record-keeping and project tracking. 

• Assist in preparing progress reports for senior engineers and project managers, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and solutions. 

• Assist in identifying and resolving technical issues that arise during lifting operations. 

• Support the development and implementation of best practices to improve operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. 

• Assist in mentoring junior engineers or interns by providing guidance and technical training. 

• Participate in post-job reviews to evaluate performance, identify lessons learned, and recommend improvements for future projects. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university. 

• 2-5 years of experience in project engineering, preferably within the crane, rigging, or heavy lifting industry. 

• Must possess the ability to perform detailed load calculations and structural analyses to ensure safe lifting operations. This requires an in-depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Lift Planner, or similar programs is essential. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, ANSI, and others specific to lifting and rigging, is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices. 

• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving technical and logistical issues in crane and rigging operations, with strong analytical abilities for engineering calculations, lift plan optimization, and meticulous attention to detail in documentation and safety protocols. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, site managers, and team members; ability to work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, crane operators, and rigging teams; proficient in preparing and presenting project reports, technical documentation, and lift plans. 

• Familiarity with engineering software (i.e. RISA-3D, Ansys, Mathcad, MS Excel), as well as ERP systems, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Ability to estimate project costs and create and maintain project schedules to ensure projects stay on track and meet deadlines. 

• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including outdoor and construction sites, and conduct on-site inspections, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, and climbing ladders or scaffolding. 

• Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Engineered heavy lift project experience. 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus, OSHA 10 

• Experience in pharmaceutical or advanced manufacturing facility construction. 

• Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) or structural modeling software. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be capable of working in outdoor environments and industrial construction settings 

• Ability to walk the site, climb scaffolding or ladders as needed, and oversee rigging operations in real-time