Project Lead - Engineering (PLM)

A professional services firm is seeking an experienced professional to join their team as a Project Lead to oversee the selection and deployment of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software with a strong engineering focus.

***This role is REMOTE with some travel to Minnesota 1-2 times per quarter.***

Responsibilities:

• Lead the evaluation and selection of a suitable PLM system (e.g., PTC Windchill, SolidWorks PLM) that aligns with the client's business needs, ensuring the system supports scalability, ease of use, and long-term governance


• Oversee the deployment and adoption of the PLM system, ensuring smooth integration with engineering tools and downstream systems


• Manage the integration of SolidWorks, CADLink, and Epicor to ensure seamless coordination between engineering, manufacturing, and sales systems, facilitating the shift to a product management structure


• Ensure proper product lifecycle management and version control, driving efficient data flow between systems while minimizing silos


• Guide the development of standardized product structures and configurations that integrate with CPQ tools, reducing engineering effort and enabling sales teams to configure products without needing engineering intervention


• Lead the transition from an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) model to a more standardized, productized offering, enabling a more scalable business model and supporting faster go-to-market strategies


• Facilitate the reduction of engineering dependency in sales processes to ensure a more efficient and streamlined operation


• Drive change management efforts to ensure effective communication and smooth adoption of new tools and processes across impacted teams (engineering, sales, product management)


• Ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the project's goals and that the transformation process is well-understood and embraced

Qualifications:

• In-depth experience in PLM selection and deployment, particularly with systems like PTC Windchill or SolidWorks PLM


• Proven experience managing CAD/PLM/ERP integration (SolidWorks, CADLink, Epicor), ensuring smooth operations across engineering and manufacturing


• Familiarity with Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) systems and how they integrate with PLM, engineering, and product management processes


• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale projects involving PLM selection, deployment, and cross-system integration, delivering on time and within budget


• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management and version control, with a focus on streamlining engineering processes and supporting a scalable business model

Desired Skills:

• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, providing clear direction while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to achieve shared goals


• Skilled in articulating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment between engineering, sales, and product management teams


• Comfortable navigating evolving business models and shifting priorities, proactively identifying challenges and offering creative solutions


• Balances immediate project needs with long-term business goals, advocating for team needs while aligning with the client's evolving strategy


• Ability to understand team challenges and advocate for their needs while ensuring project objectives are met