Project Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Waukegan (IL); Hybrid; USD 96,432 - 130,872; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Employee Benefits Package

Paid Time Off

401(k) with a match

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Job summary

A leading staffing firm is seeking an experienced Sr Engineering, Technical and IT Recruiter in Waukegan, IL. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of project management experience in regulated industries and PMP certification. Responsibilities include leading CAPEX projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and coordinating with diverse teams. Competitive compensation is offered, with travel requirements up to 50%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering project management experience in regulated industries.
• Proven success with capital projects between $50M and $200M.
• Strong technical understanding of cGMP design and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead CAPEX projects across cGMP manufacturing.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and risk management.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and serve as the primary liaison.

Skills

Project Management

cGMP facility design

Communication skills

CAPEX project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

PMP Certification

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Primavera P6

Procore

SAP Ariba

Job description

Base pay range

$70.00/hr - $95.00/hr

Sr Engineering, Technical and IT Recruiter

Location: Waukegan, IL (50% travel required throughout the U.S. Midwest)

Duration: 36+ Months (with potential extension)

Travel: Up to 50% to active project sites

Sterling Engineering is seeking experienced Project Engineers / Project Managers (PMP) to support large-scale cGMP facility buildouts, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades for a leading life sciences / food and beverage manufacturer. This role is ideal for a technically strong, field-capable project leader who can drive CAPEX projects ranging from $50M–$200M through design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

Operating within FDA-regulated environments, the Project Engineers / PMs will partner closely with Global Engineering, Operations, Quality, EH&S, and Construction Management teams to ensure compliant, cost-effective, and on‑schedule delivery of complex capital programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CAPEX projects ($50M–$200M) across cGMP manufacturing, utilities, packaging, and infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and risk management from concept through handover.
• Coordinate design reviews, engineering deliverables, and technical decision‑making with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between engineering, construction management, contractors, and site operations.
• Review and validate design packages (P&IDs, layouts, specifications, equipment drawings).
• Manage procurement activities, vendor selection, and contract administration.
• Provide on‑site oversight during construction, installation, commissioning, qualification, and start‑up.
• Ensure adherence to FDA, cGMP, ISO, and corporate engineering standards.
• Drive project governance, reporting, and communication to senior leadership.
• Lead issues management, change control, and resolution of field challenges.
• Support safety programs, site readiness, and operational handoff.

Qualifications

• PMP Certification Required (active and in good standing).
• 10+ years of engineering project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or regulated food industries.
• Proven success managing capital projects between $50M and $200M.
• Strong technical understanding of cGMP facility design, utilities, process equipment, packaging systems, and infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (advanced degree a plus).
• Demonstrated field experience during construction, commissioning, CQV, and turnover.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and align cross‑functional teams.
• Willing and able to travel up to 50% to domestic project sites.
• Experience with CQV, FAT/SAT, and validation protocols.
• Experience in FDA‑regulated brownfield and greenfield expansions.
• Familiarity with engineering tools and systems (AutoCAD, MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, SAP Ariba).

Benefits

As a Sterling Engineering W2 employee on contract, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 3 Medical plans to choose from, Dental & Vision plans, 401(k) with a match, and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

EEO Statement

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Contact

Direct message the job poster from Sterling Engineering.

Senior Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Project Management and Information Technology

Industries

Staffing and Recruiting