Project Engineer

ISAWWA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career development opportunities

Positive environmental impact

Dynamic, innovative workplace

Job summary

Green Era is seeking a hands-on Project Engineer to bridge daily operations and capital project execution at our food waste anaerobic digester facility. The role independently owns small capital projects under $500K, manages vendor and OEM relationships, and provides on-site engineering support for conveyor, de-packaging, digester, and biogas systems.

Reporting to the CSO and collaborating with the Plant Manager and maintenance team, you will drive continuous improvement, develop SOPs, lead

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering (preferred).
• 5-7 years of experience in industrial plant operations, food processing, biogas, or project engineering.
• Experience managing capital projects (scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor coordination).
• Familiarity with conveyor systems, material handling, or de-packaging equipment is valued.
• Working knowledge of anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment systems.
• Ability to manage contractors and vendors independently in a live plant.
• Proficiency with CMMS platforms for work order management and parts tracking.
• Strong regulatory understanding and commitment to environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Capitalize on capital project execution for upgrades under $500K, including scoping, estimating, and scheduling.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and contractor selection from approved vendors.
• Coordinate on-site construction with electrical, mechanical, and general contractors.
• Document as-built drawings and update O&M manuals after project completion.
• Monitor spend against budget and report financials bi-weekly to leadership.
• Engage OEMs and service contractors; manage preventive maintenance contracts.
• Develop SOPs for equipment changes and new system integrations.
• Lead commissioning around feedstock receiving upgrades and gas system mods.
• Perform root-cause analyses using CMMS data; drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure environmental, permitting, and regulatory reporting are up to date.

Skills

Project management

Vendor management

Root-cause analysis

Regulatory compliance

Data-driven decision making

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Chemical/Environmental Engineering

Tools

Fiix

MaintainX

Job description

About Green Era

Green Era is a leading provider of sustainable waste management solutions, specializing in the conversion of food waste into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. We are committed to environmental stewardship and innovation, aiming to create a greener future by recycling food waste, reducing carbon emissions and promoting circular economy principles.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Project Engineer to bridge daily operations and capital project execution at Green Era's food waste anaerobic digester recycling facility. The Project Engineer will independently own small capital projects (under $500K), manage all vendor and OEM relationships, and provide on-site engineering support for conveyor, de-packaging, digester, and biogas systems. This role reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and works closely with the Plant Manager and maintenance team to drive continuous improvement across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Execution

• Scope, estimate, and schedule conveyor, digester, and gas system upgrades independently for projects under $500K.
• Manage the RFQ/RFP process and contractor selection from an approved vendor list.
• Lead on-site construction coordination with electrical, mechanical, and general contractors.
• Document as-built drawings and update O&M manuals upon project completion.
• Track project spend versus approved budget and report to leadership on a bi-weekly basis.

Vendor & OEM Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all equipment OEMs and service contractors.
• Manage preventive maintenance service contracts with electrical and mechanical contractors.
• Build and maintain an approved vendor list and spare parts inventory within the facility’s CMMS.
• Negotiate service agreements in coordination with the CSO/COO/CEO.

Site Engineering & Operational Support

• Troubleshoot conveyor, de-packaging, and digester process deviations on a daily basis.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment changes and new system integrations.
• Lead commissioning efforts around feedstock receiving upgrades and gas upgrade modifications.
• Lead root-cause analysis for recurring equipment failures using CMMS data.
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager and maintenance team to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop best in class operating practices for managing anaerobic digester. Ensure process variables are adequately monitored and normal conditions adhered to.

Permitting, Environmental & Regulatory Reporting

• Lead the preparation, submission, and tracking of all required permits (environmental, construction, air, water, waste handling, and zoning)
• Interface with regulatory agencies including IEPA, OSHA, EPA, and local municipalities.
• Engage with 3rd party resources to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., air emissions, wastewater discharge, stormwater, solid waste handling).
• Maintain a master permit register with renewal deadlines, conditions, and reporting requirements.
• Manage environmental monitoring and reporting requirements (air, water, odor control, digestate handling).
• Prepare and submit compliance reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure adherence to permit conditions and SOPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering (preferred).
• 5-7 years of experience in industrial plant operations, food processing, biogas, or project engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects (scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor coordination).
• Familiarity with conveyor systems, material handling, or de-packaging equipment is strongly valued.
• Working knowledge of anaerobic digestion processes, biogas production, and wastewater treatment systems.
• Comfortable managing contractors and vendors independently in an active plant environment.
• Proficiency with CMMS platforms (e.g., Fiix, MaintainX, or similar) for work order management and spare parts tracking.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices related to waste management and environmental compliance.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to root-cause analysis.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability and contribute to the development of renewable energy solutions. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment dedicated to sustainability and making a positive impact.
• Green Era is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Green Era is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals from
all backgrounds to apply.