Project Engineer (R&D Support)

Position Title: Project Engineer (R&D Support)

Work Location: Minnetonka, MN 55345

Assignment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Onsite 4 days/week; 1 day remote possible

Position Summary: Drive multiple alternate source projects to completion by coordinating cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Background & Context:

• Department: R&D (closely aligned but not directly within R&D).
• Ongoing position (replacing an interim resource currently filling the role).
• Current status: 4 ongoing projects (midway through execution), expected completion in the first half of next year.
• Will take ownership of new projects starting next year alongside closing existing ones.
• A current interim project engineer will assist with transition and onboarding.
• Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to work onsite 4 days per week.

• Lead and manage approx. 4 active alternate source projects from initiation to completion.
• Coordinate with internal cross-functional teams - R&D, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Collaborate directly with external suppliers for respective product lines.
• Manage project timelines, ensure milestones are met, and drive accountability across teams.
• Conduct and lead weekly internal status meetings (approx. 30 mins) to review progress and assign follow-up actions.
• Attend weekly external meetings with suppliers to monitor project progress.
• Use Microsoft Project to track project plans, timelines, and deliverables (training can be provided).
• Push internal partners to meet deadlines - the ability to influence without direct authority is key.
• Facilitate communication between engineering and quality teams, ensuring technical requirements are understood.
• Support project closure and transition to commercialization for each qualified product.
• Assist in onboarding and knowledge transfer with the interim project lead currently managing the work.

• Strong project management skills (approx. 70% of the role involves PM work).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate across departments.
• Comfortable leading meetings and holding others accountable to timelines.
• Engineering knowledge to effectively communicate with R&D and Supplier Quality Engineers.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Project or similar project tracking tools (training available).
• Ability to manage projects without direct reports, influencing stakeholders through collaboration.
• Background in engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, etc.) (nice-to-have).
• Prior experience in medical device industry (nice-to-have).
• Familiarity with design and development life cycle, IQ/OQ/PQ, and related validation terminology (nice-to-have).
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential (nice-to-have).
• Experience in other technical industries such as aerospace or manufacturing (nice-to-have).
• Bachelor's degree preferred (Engineering strongly preferred).
• Candidates with non-engineering degrees may be considered if they have relevant project management or technical experience.
• Minimum: 1 year of relevant industry experience (not open to fresh graduates).
• No maximum experience cap - open to both early-career and senior professionals.
• Ideal profile: 1-5 years in project coordination or project engineering within a technical environment.
• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality is a plus.