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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Tooling Supervisor also helps to train Tool and Die Trainees. Essential Duties and ... Engaged in tool build projects. * Reviews tool build progress, engineering level of product and ...

Project Engineer Trainee information

See Kalamazoo, MI salary details

$42.5K

$85.5K

$128.3K

How much do project engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer trainee in Kalamazoo, MI is $85,514.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project engineer trainee do?

A Project Engineer Trainee assists senior engineers and project managers in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documents, performing site inspections, supporting project scheduling, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience and training in project management, engineering principles, and teamwork within various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The position is designed to help trainees develop practical skills and knowledge required for advancement to more senior engineering roles.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Trainee vs Project Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer TraineeProject Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree; may have certifications like PMP or engineering licensesCompleted degree; often holds professional engineering license or certification
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, internships, or entry-level roles in construction or engineering projectsFull-time roles managing project phases, coordinating teams, and overseeing execution
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior engineers, learning project processes, supporting documentationPlanning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met

The main difference is that a Project Engineer Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting project tasks, while a Project Engineer is a fully responsible professional managing project execution independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer trainee?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering), and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards is often required. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are vital soft skills for success in this entry-level role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting project delivery, ensuring technical accuracy, and building a strong foundation for a future engineering career.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a project engineer trainee?

As a Project Engineer Trainee, your daily tasks often include assisting with project planning, coordinating with contractors or vendors, preparing documentation, and tracking project progress against timelines. You'll likely attend team meetings, help resolve technical issues, and support senior engineers with data collection and report generation. These activities provide hands-on experience with the project lifecycle while ensuring that deliverables stay on schedule and meet quality standards. Your contributions help the team identify bottlenecks early and maintain effective communication among stakeholders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Kalamazoo, MI? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Kalamazoo, MI are:
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Trainee job openings in Kalamazoo, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,514 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

The Tooling Supervisor supervises and coordinates activities of Tool and Die Makers and Trainees. The Tooling Supervisor also helps to train Tool and Die Trainees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for daily communication of tooling issues as well as prioritization of such issues to maximize press room productivity and machine utilization.
  • Manage tooling personal in all required tooling activities
  • Actively participate in tool design to obtain reliability, quality and safety and further maintain competent sources for design and fabrication of tools and machines
  • Actively applies new manufacturing technologies and aggressively evaluates and reports on manufacturing opportunities
  • Participates in product design activities to assume optimum productivity and costs. Suggests alternative designs, materials or processes.
  • Must be capable of resolving all problems while maintaining good rapport with customers
  • Recommends changes for the most practical and economical manufacturing processes, including material, labor, tooling and equipment
  • Participates in selecting approving and developing tooling and equipment to satisfy manufacturing requirements and product design intent Serves as customer liaison as relates to tool design and engineering matters
  • Ensures that all relevant new tooling is capable of making required product to meet all timing and production goals.
  • Works with tool vendors to insure all open insures as they relate to tool performance or tool adherence to active build standards are closed in a timely manner
  • Liaison to tool and equipment manufacturers, contractors and tool and die job shops.
  • Engaged in tool build projects.
  • Reviews tool build progress, engineering level of product and promotes effort to meet or improve build schedule
  • Upton receipt of tooling authorization, initiates and supervises tooling changes to satisfy requirements of engineering change
  • Actively pursues quality improvements in the stamping process Works closely with Advance Manufacturing Group in Plymouth to provide direction to ensure plants are pursuing latest technological advances
  • Perform other duties as required Complete all required and applicable training required by Adient and its customers Comply with BOS, ISO/TS-16949 and Customer Specific Requirements.
  • Reference the BOS Responsibilities Matrix for all requirements related to this job title
  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.
  • The employee is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Education / Experience / Skills
Journeyman Tool and Die Card through the Department of Labor

Accountabilities
This position reports directly to the Press Room Manager

Qualifications
Previous experience supervising skilled trades Experience training employees in the tool and die trade Pervious experience working as a tool and die maker in a metals plant Experience in progressive and transfer dies Solid leadership skills

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be able to meet the requirements of being able to work in the United States (INS Form I-9).

EHS Requirements

Adhere to all Health, Safety and Environmental Standards Report occupational injuries, illnesses and accidents Report hazardous, unsafe and unhealthy conditions

Must be willing to work 2nd shift hours (3pm - 12am) plus overtime as needed

PRIMARY LOCATION

Battle Creek Seating Component