Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking a Contract Engineer to support the planning and execution of a large-scale manufacturing facility relocation. This role will be responsible for managing individual project workstreams, coordinating across cross-functional internal teams, and working closely with suppliers, contractors, and hourly employees to ensure a safe, efficient, and disruption-free move. The ideal candidate has hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, strong project coordination skills, and prior involvement in factory or equipment relocations.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and execute assigned factory move workstreams, from planning through execution and closeout
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and task lists for equipment, layout, utilities, and support areas
- Coordinate activities with internal customers including operations, maintenance, quality, safety, IT, and supply chain
- Interface with external suppliers, contractors, riggers, and service providers to align scope, timing, and execution
- Support equipment disassembly, relocation, installation, and start-up activities
- Coordinate with hourly manufacturing and maintenance employees during move events and production transitions
- Apply lean manufacturing principles to layout design, material flow, and process transitions
- Identify risks to safety, quality, delivery, and cost; develop and execute mitigation plans
- Support documentation updates including layouts, standard work, utility plans, and move checklists
- Participate in and support move events, including off-shift or weekend activities as required
- Track progress, issues, and action items; provide regular status updates to project leadership
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or related discipline) or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering or related experience
- Demonstrated experience supporting or leading manufacturing facility moves, equipment relocations, or major line transfers
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing concepts (layout optimization, waste reduction, material flow)
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, execution-focused environment
- Strong communication and coordination skills across salaried, hourly, and external teams
- Comfortable working on the manufacturing floor and in construction/industrial environments
Preferred / Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Experience in furniture manufacturing or furniture systems
- Experience coordinating utilities (electrical, air, water, dust collection, etc.) during equipment moves
- Familiarity with rigging, installation sequencing, and production start-up support
- Prior contract or project-based engineering experience
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to support off-hours, weekend, or multi-day move events as needed
- Ability to work onsite for the majority of the contract period
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through