Project Engineer

Novozen Healthcare LLC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Novozen Healthcare LLC in Richmond, VA seeks a hands-on Mechanical Project Engineer to support a large-scale greenfield capital project in pharma/biotech. The role focuses on mechanical building systems, HVAC, utilities, and GMP-regulated environments, leading workstreams from feasibility through startup and turnover.

You will manage scope, schedule, and budget, coordinate with consultants and contractors, ensure compliance with GMP and company standards, mentor junior engineers, and work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in project/engineering roles in regulated pharma/biotech environments.
• Experience managing capital projects from design through qualification.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building systems, HVAC, utilities, and GMP.
• Experience reviewing drawings and construction documents.
• Experience coordinating consultants, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• On-site in Richmond, VA five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects from conceptual design to startup.
• Lead mechanical engineering activities for assigned projects.
• Develop URS, design basis documents, and technical packages.
• Review drawings, specs, calculations, and construction documents.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Oversee construction, equipment startup, commissioning, and system turnover.
• Provide technical support for facility, utility, and process systems.
• Coordinate shutdowns, system tie-ins, and minimize disruptions.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, forecasts, and risks.
• Support RFPs, contractor selection, and procurement.
• Prepare status reports for stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Project management

GMP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

URS development

Cross-functional leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

MS Project

Visio

Job description

Employment Type: Contract - W2

Duration: 12 months+, with potential extension (3-year project duration)

W2 Rate: $70-$100/hr

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Project Engineer to support a large-scale greenfield capital project in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in mechanical building systems, HVAC, utilities, process infrastructure, and GMP-regulated environments.

The selected candidate will lead mechanical engineering workstreams from feasibility and design through construction, commissioning, qualification, startup, and final turnover, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects through conceptual design, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
• Lead mechanical engineering activities for assigned projects and systems.
• Develop User Requirements Specifications (URS), design basis documents, and technical design packages.
• Review engineering deliverables, including drawings, specifications, calculations, and construction documents.
• Coordinate engineering consultants, construction managers, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Oversee construction execution, equipment startup, commissioning, qualification, and system turnover.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for facility, utility, and process systems.
• Coordinate facility shutdowns, system tie-ins, and integrations while minimizing operational disruptions.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, forecasts, change orders, capital requests, and risks.
• Support RFP development, contractor selection, bid evaluations, and procurement activities.
• Prepare project status reports and communicate progress to stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements, regulatory expectations, engineering standards, and company policies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to project teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience as a Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, or in a similar role within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing medium- to large-scale capital projects from design through construction, commissioning, and qualification.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical facility infrastructure and mechanical systems.
• Experience reviewing engineering designs and construction documents related to HVAC, clean utilities, plant utilities, process piping, mechanical equipment installations, and utility distribution systems.
• Experience managing equipment startup, commissioning, and turnover activities.
• Proven ability to manage engineering consultants, construction contractors, and cross-functional project teams.
• Experience developing URS documents, design basis documents, and technical design packages.
• Strong understanding of GMP requirements and regulated pharmaceutical environments.
• Project management experience covering scope, cost, schedule, risk, and change management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• Ability to work on-site in Richmond, VA, five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Pay Scale

• Anticipated hourly pay range: $70-$100/hr on W2.

Employees hired into this position are eligible for the following benefits, subject to the applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements:

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options are available through a third-party provider. Employees are responsible for paying the full cost of their insurance premiums.

Retirement Benefits: A 401(k) retirement savings plan is available. No employer matching or other employer contributions are provided.

Paid Time Off (PTO): No PTO other than that required by applicable state and local laws.