Mechanical Project Leader
MilSpec Talent
- Ashland, VA
- $80,000-120,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite, Manufacturing Environment)
Compensation: $80K–$120K base + benefits
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Type: Full-time | Technical Leadership Role | High-Impact Project Delivery
Sector: Heavy Industrial Manufacturing (Paper Mill)About The Company
This global manufacturing leader operates one of the highest-output papermills in the region and is committed to innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement. With a focus on operational excellence and reliability, the team is seeking a Mechanical Project Leader to drive capital and maintenance-related projects that directly support plant performance and safety.The Opportunity
This role blends mechanical engineering, problem-solving, and hands-on project management in a high-performance industrial setting. You’ll lead the full lifecycle of mechanical projects—from troubleshooting root causes to vendor engagement and final execution. You’ll also help align reliability goals and ensure improvements are embedded into future operations.What You’ll Do
Project Leadership & ExecutionLead mechanical projects from scoping through completion, including timelines, resources, and contractor oversightOwn post-root cause implementation of mechanical solutions and preventative improvementsCoordinate vendor engagement, RFQs, and quotation reviews to support sourcing decisionsTechnical & Maintenance SupportPartner with reliability and maintenance teams to resolve recurring mechanical issuesProvide engineering support during complex troubleshooting effortsReview and optimize predictive maintenance strategies within SAP CMMSCross-Functional CoordinationAlign project goals with internal stakeholders across maintenance, operations, and EH&SCommunicate clearly across departments and vendors to maintain alignment and progressChampion safety, quality, and efficiency throughout project lifecyclesContinuous ImprovementSupport and enhance core maintenance processes including Defect Handling and Breakdown EliminationEmbed Lean Production System principles into project planning and executionYou’d Be a Great Fit If You Have:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering + active PE license (U.S.-licensed)5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering project roles in industrial settingsStrong skills in CMMS systems (preferably SAP) for planning and executionDemonstrated critical thinking and root cause analysis capabilitiesExperience using MS Project or equivalent for scheduling and project managementClear, concise communicator across technical and non-technical teamsBonus Points For:Experience in pulp and paper, chemicals, or heavy manufacturing sectorsBackground in capital project delivery within operational facilitiesFamiliarity with vendor negotiations, bid evaluations, and contractor managementWhy Join UsLead essential projects that directly impact plant performance and reliabilityWork in a facility committed to safety, operational excellence, and professional growthContribute to a forward-thinking, engineering-led culture with strong team collaborationMilSpec Talent is a boutique headhunting firm that helps our clients get connected with top talent in the industry. We work with mid-career, industry-experienced Veterans with 3-15 years of proven success in the private sector. For our contingency recruitment partners, we provide this value with minimal risk.