Project Associate Jobs in Pekin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Metallurgical Project Engineer

Hybrid | East Peoria, IL

Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Metallurgical Project Engineer to join our team in East Peoria, IL. We offer full benefits, PTO, 401k, and more! If you're looking to grow your career within an extremely reputable, stable Fortune 100 company - let's talk!

Position Overview

DSN is hiring a Metallurgical Project Engineer for a hybrid role based in East Peoria, IL. This position leads and supports engineering projects from concept through commissioning and handover, applying metallurgical and mechanical engineering expertise to manufacturing and capital equipment initiatives. The role works alongside a team of 5-8 engineers and reports to the Engineering Manager. This position requires 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute engineering projects from concept through commissioning and handover

• Develop project scope, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans
• Coordinate with operations, quality, maintenance, and suppliers to ensure successful delivery
• Support capital project installation, modification, and startup activities
• Apply metallurgical principles related to steel, cast iron, alloys, heat treatment, and forming processes
• Support material selection, process qualification, and metallurgical validation
• Perform or coordinate metallurgical analysis (microstructure, hardness, mechanical testing, failure analysis)
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for material or process issues
• Support mechanical system design including piping, fluid systems, quench systems, fixtures, and equipment layouts

• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, and calculations
• Interface with controls, electrical, and automation teams for integrated solutions
• Evaluate equipment capability, reliability, and safety
• Provide technical support during production trials, troubleshooting, and ramp up
• Ensure designs and processes meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Develop and review technical documentation, standards, and work instructions
• Act as the technical point of contact for assigned projects
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams and leadership
• Manage external suppliers, contractors, and engineering service providers

Typical Day in the Role

• Review project priorities, emails, and open action items
• Coordinate with operations, quality, and maintenance on active issues
• Analyze metallurgical or mechanical data (tests, drawings, equipment performance)
• Support project execution (design reviews, supplier coordination, schedule updates)
• Provide shop floor or manufacturing support and troubleshooting
• Document decisions, update project trackers, and communicate next steps

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (an Associate's degree with 7+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 3+ years of experience, will also be considered)
• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing, heavy industry, or industrial equipment environments
• Working knowledge of metallurgical processes and mechanical systems
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with heat treat equipment, steel, forging, casting, or surface treatment processes
• Experience supporting capital equipment projects or plant installations
• Familiarity with mechanical design tools (AutoCAD, Creo, or similar)
• Experience working in cross-functional, operations-focused environments
• Understanding of quality systems, validation, and continuous improvement

Key Skills & Competencies

• Project management fundamentals (scope, schedule, cost, risk)
• Metallurgical analysis and materials behavior

• Mechanical systems design and evaluation
• Manufacturing process understanding
• Supplier and contractor coordination
• Clear technical communication and documentation
• Structured problem solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Prioritization and time management
• Ownership and accountability

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule combining office-based engineering work with on-site shop floor support in an air-conditioned manufacturing facility
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required in production areas
• Occasional travel to suppliers or manufacturing sites

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays

Please follow the link to our website for a list of job openings in Engineering, IT, Project Management, and more! https://www.dsnworldwide.com

Salary expectations: $77,000-$82,000 annually