Project Engineer, Fuel

Protingent; Potomac (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Fuel Project Engineer to lead process engineering activities for fuel processing, production enhancements, and operational excellence. The role acts as the on-site technical representative coordinating with the EPCM contractor, vendors, and field personnel to optimize performance and safety.

You will monitor data and KPIs, drive corrective actions, and oversee engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, commissioning, and turnover activities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of process engineering experience in fuel/refining/energy environments.
• Strong understanding of construction management, inspections, and optimization methods.
• Experience using data analysis to identify performance gaps and drive practical solutions.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Familiarity with safety, environmental, and quality systems in industrial operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering activities supporting fuel processing, production, and operational excellence.
• On-site technical representative interfacing with EPCM and construction teams.
• Monitor, analyze, and optimize engineering performance for safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Oversee contractor performance relative to scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
• Identify root causes of design and process issues and develop corrective actions.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, commissioning, turnover.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership to implement improvements.
• Review data, trends, and KPIs to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, procedures, and standards.

Skills

5+ years experience

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Safety/compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Process Engineering

Job description

Position Title

Project Engineer, Fuel

Position Description

Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Fuel Project Engineering opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering activities supporting fuel processing, production, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Serve as the on-site technical representative and primary interface with the EPCM contractor, construction contractors, vendors, and field personnel.
• Monitor, analyze, and optimize engineering performance to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor EPCM contractor performance against scope, schedule, budget, technical requirements, deliverables, and contractual obligations.
• Identify root causes of design, process, construction issues and develop effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, commissioning, and turnover activities.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Review process data, trends, and key performance indicators to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Develop, update, and maintain process documentation, procedures, and technical standards.
• Support troubleshooting efforts during upsets, downtime, and other operational disruptions.
• Lead or contribute to projects involving process design changes, equipment upgrades, and technology improvements.
• Ensure process changes comply with applicable safety, environmental, and operational requirements.
• Mentor and guide engineers or team members as needed to strengthen technical capability and project execution.
• Perform routine field inspections and walkdowns of the facilities Support administration and technical oversight of EPCM and construction contracts, including scope interpretation, change orders, requests for information, technical queries, claims, and contractor performance issues.
• Evaluate proposed contractor changes for technical necessity, cost and schedule implications, and potential impacts to licensing, safety, quality, operations, and maintainability.
• Participate in construction readiness reviews, design reviews, pre-installation meetings, system walkdowns, turnover reviews, commissioning activities, and operational readiness activities.
• Identify project risks, contractor performance concerns, quality issues, and potential cost or schedule impacts and elevate material issues promptly to the Director of Fuel Facilities Operations.
• Support development and implementation of project controls, construction oversight procedures, contractor reporting expectations, inspection plans, and owner acceptance criteria.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering, preferably within fuel, refining, energy, or a related industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of construction management, inspections, process optimization, and operational improvement methods.
• Experience using data analysis to identify performance gaps and drive practical solutions.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Working knowledge of safety, environmental, and quality systems relevant to industrial operations.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, support projects, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience leading process improvement projects, construction oversight and management or engineering teams.
• Familiarity with fuel handling and production processes or related process systems.
• Knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing or commissioning activities.
• Professional Engineering licensure or progress toward licensure, where applicable.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $115-155K

Location: Washington D.C. (Onsite).

Due to government contract requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residential or GC Holder only.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.