Lead Project Engineer

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom is seeking a Lead Mechanical Project Engineer to support a major biologics facility project in the Richmond, VA area.

This role is fully onsite and will drive capital projects from concept through startup, serving as the mechanical engineering lead and coordinating with external firms to ensure design, construction, and commissioning deliverables meet requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in project/mechanical engineering for pharma/biotech.
• Experience supporting mid to large capital projects from design to startup.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical facility infrastructure and mechanical systems.
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering designs, specs, calculations, and construction documents for HVAC systems, utilities, piping, equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple capital projects through conceptual design, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
• Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for assigned projects and systems.
• Develop URS and establish design basis with stakeholders.
• Coordinate with external engineering firms, construction managers, contractors, and vendors.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables and technical documentation.
• Coordinate project activities with Manufacturing, Facilities, QA, QC, EHS, and other groups.
• Oversee construction execution, startup, commissioning, and system turnover.
• Support commissioning and qualification protocol reviews and approvals.
• Provide troubleshooting and engineering support for facility, utility, and process systems.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, change orders, and capital requests.

Skills

Project leadership

Mechanical engineering

Facility infrastructure knowledge

Capital projects experience

Onsite work ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Title: Lead Project Engineer- Mechanical

Location: Richmond, VA- fully onsite

Type: Multi-year project

Hourly Pay: $75-$100 per hour, based on level of experience plus per diem

Are you ready for a career-defining challenge at the forefront of biopharmaceutical manufacturing? We’re seeking a Lead Mechanical Project Engineer to join the core project team supporting a major, next-generation biologics and bioconjugation facility in the Richmond, VA area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple capital projects through conceptual design, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
• Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for assigned projects and systems.
• Develop User Requirements Specifications (URS) and establish project design basis with stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate external engineering firms, construction managers, contractors, and vendors.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, including drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate project activities with Manufacturing, Facilities, QA, QC, EHS, and other functional groups.
• Oversee construction execution, startup activities, commissioning efforts, and system turnover.
• Support review and approval of commissioning and qualification protocols.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and engineering support for facility, utility, and process systems.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, change orders, and capital requests.

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience as a Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, or similar role supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences industries
• Demonstrated experience supporting mid to large size capital projects from design through construction, commissioning, and qualification.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical facility infrastructure and mechanical systems.
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and construction documents for: HVAC systems, Clean utilities, Plant utilities, Process piping systems, Mechanical equipment installations, Utility distribution systems
• Must be able to work fully onsite in Richmond VA