Sam schaefer, P.E.

project Director

Sam is a seasoned engineering and project management leader with more than 30 years of experience delivering complex industrial, manufacturing, and energy projects across North America and internationally. As a Project Director at Vestal Corporation, Sam brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and hands-on leadership to guide large, multidisciplinary teams through every phase of design, construction, startup, and commissioning. He is recognized for his ability to manage high-risk, high-value projects while consistently meeting aggressive schedules, controlling costs, and exceeding client expectations.

Throughout his career, Sam has led projects ranging from multi-million-dollar renewable natural gas facilities and greenfield aluminum can plants to heavy industrial material handling systems and kiln lines for steel, cement, and manufacturing clients. His background spans project execution, contract negotiation, budgeting and forecasting, business development, and client relations, with extensive experience coordinating mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and process engineering disciplines.

A licensed Professional Engineer with an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Sam is known for building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and providing steady, strategic leadership in demanding environments. At Vestal, he plays a key role in driving project excellence, strengthening client partnerships, and advancing the firm’s position as a trusted engineering and project delivery partner in the industrial and energy sectors.