Project Engineer

FAREVA Richmond; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan matching 4.5%

Onsite cafeteria

Paid vacation & holidays

Company-paid insurance

Job summary

Fareva Richmond in Henrico, VA seeks an experienced Project Engineer to lead capital and process improvement projects from concept to completion. You will define equipment specs, manage installation, validation, and start-up while upholding cGMP compliance, safety, and cost efficiency.

You will coordinate with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure timely delivery, track KPIs, and drive continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5+ years in project management, ideally in pharma/cosmetics/biotech/food.
• Experience managing capital projects in a cGMP-regulated facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for assigned projects.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple cross-functional projects.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and forecasts with KPIs.
• Conduct project reviews and report progress to leadership.
• Develop execution strategies and manage risks and mitigation.
• Initiate and justify capital project requests.
• Oversee design, equipment specification, and installation.
• Collaborate with Tech Transfer/R&D for product introduction.

Skills

Project planning

Budgeting

Scheduling

Multi-project management

Engineering fundamentals

Communication

Reporting

Interpersonal skills

Compliance familiarity

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Project EngineerLocation: Henrico, VAReports to: Director of Engineering & MaintenanceDepartment: Central EngineeringFareva Richmond is currently seeing an experienced Project Engineer to join our team in Henrico, VA.Position SummaryThe Project Engineer is responsible for managing and executing capital and process improvement projects from concept to completion. This includes equipment specification, procurement, installation, validation, and start-up, with an emphasis on safety, compliance, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The role supports operations through engineering expertise, process optimization, and innovation while ensuring adherence to cGMP standards and other regulatory requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesProject ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple cross-functional projects.Develop project schedules, budgets, and forecasts; monitor KPIs such as on-time completion and cost performance.Conduct project reviews and report progress to senior leadership.Develop project execution strategies and manage associated risks and mitigation plans.Initiate and justify capital project requests.Technical ExecutionOversee project design, equipment specification, and installation.Create supporting documentation, including process specifications, SOPs, and changeover instructions.Collaborate with Tech Transfer/R&D for smooth product introduction and equipment implementation.Lead packaging line design and layout improvements.Analyze and report equipment and line capacity, identify optimization opportunities.Compliance & SafetyEnsure all projects comply with FDA, cGMP, EPA, safety, and internal standards.Promote workplace safety and ensure safety requirements are integrated into all project scopes.Resolve process and equipment issues to optimize output and minimize contamination.Financial & Vendor ManagementPrepare cost estimates and manage project budgets.Coordinate with Purchasing to develop bid packages and evaluate vendor proposals.Work with external contractors and vendors for equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning.Collaboration & CommunicationCoordinate with internal departments (Operations, Quality, Maintenance, etc.) to align project objectives.Lead or participate in cross-functional project teams.Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders and provide timely updates.Professional Development & LeadershipProvide guidance to team members or hourly workforce when applicable.Drive employee engagement and development through training, empowerment, and recognition.Support a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.QualificationsEducation & Experience:Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field required.2–5+ years of experience in project management, preferably in a pharmaceutical, cosmetics, biotech, or food manufacturing environment.Experience managing capital projects and working in a cGMP-regulated facility preferred.Skills & Competencies:Strong project planning, budgeting, and scheduling skills.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to shifting priorities.Technical proficiency in engineering principles, process troubleshooting, and equipment design.Proficient in communication, reporting, and interpersonal collaboration.Familiarity with compliance standards (cGMP, FDA, EPA).Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.Working Conditions & Physical DemandsWork is performed in both office and plant environments.Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and lift up to 30 lbs.Exposure to noise, machinery, and varying temperatures may occur in operational areas.PPE is required in production areas.What we offer:Competitive salaries, comprehensive health/vision/dental insurance, company paid short term disability, company paid life and accidental death insurance, 401(k) plan match of 4.5% with immediate vesting, generous employee referral program, paid vacation annually, paid holidays annually, onsite cafeteria, job advancement opportunities. Manufacturing employees also receive company paid work shoes, uniforms and prescription safety eyeglasses.