"Senior Project Engineer - 261098"

Senior Project Engineer - 261098

Western Carolina University

Department: School of Engineering & Technology

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list. 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list. Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance...

Position Summary:

The Senior Project Engineer provides professional direction and coordination for engineers, technicians, and skilled trade employees engaged in the design, testing, manufacture, installation, and repair of mechanical parts, components, and equipment supporting this project. The role leads daily engineering and manufacturing activities that include industrial product design and manufacturing process development, with responsibility for identifying complex operating and installation problems and recommending or implementing effective technical solutions. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Senior Project Engineer applies expertise in vendor coordination, CNC machining, EDM, and design for manufacturability to evaluate and select external suppliers, manage outsourced work, and review related contracts, while also providing technical guidance and direction to participating students.

The primary work location for this position is expected to be in Asheville, NC, with the specific office location currently being finalized. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, where some work-from-home flexibility will be permitted subject to all required approvals. Regular travel to Cullowhee is required, typically occurring twice per week, and candidates should also expect frequent travel within North Carolina along with occasional out-of-state travel to support the objectives of the grant.

This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment in the role is contingent upon funding availability. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability, including CNC machining and EDM.
• Skill in leading and coordinating engineers, technicians, and skilled trades in complex design, testing, and fabrication activities.
• Ability to diagnose complex operating, installation, and production problems and implement effective technical solutions.
• Skill in evaluating vendors and suppliers, managing outsourced work, and reviewing technical and contractual deliverables.
• Ability to communicate professionally with project leadership, external partners, and students while providing clear technical guidance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline; or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in product design, including hands-on involvement with common manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, EDM, or comparable production processes.

Position Type:

Time-Limited Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment in the role is contingent upon funding availability.

Attach a cover letter, current resume and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Scott Pierce at rspierce@email.wcu.edu