Senior Project Engineer

Software Placement Group, SPG; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group, on behalf of a leading food processing manufacturer in Newport News, VA, seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead a small team on medium to large capital projects. The role is on-site, full-time, and focused on precise execution with senior leadership collaboration.

The position requires designing, cost estimation, feasibility studies, and compliance with codes, along with coordinating vendors, reviewing submissions, and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 5+ years' experience.
• Strong project management and contract administration skills.
• Knowledge of national codes and standards interpretation.
• Proficient in engineering economics and AutoCAD.
• Willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Excellent written and oral communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop designs, specs, and cost estimates.
• Conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices.
• Ensure designs meet codes, validate field work, and create as-built drawings.
• Review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule.
• Collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.
• Direct vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements.
• Review consultant work and suggest changes as needed.
• Maintain documentation, including manuals, drawings, specs, and vendor contacts.
• Conduct planning and operational reviews during pre-project phases.
• Define project scope, prepare proposals, and evaluate bids.
• Submit regular status reports to management.
• Assist with contract administration and prepare project documents.
• Monitor installations to ensure they meet specs, budgets, and timelines.
• Manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met.

Skills

Project management

Contract administration

Scheduling knowledge

Microsoft Office

Communication

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Adaptability

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Newport News, VA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $100,000-$130,000 plus bonus

Overview

An established food processing manufacturer is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead a small team on medium to large-scale capital projects, or to take charge of a critical portion of a more complex initiative. This role is pivotal to project success, requiring the ability to work independently while also collaborating with senior leaders on complex challenges to ensure precise execution.

What you'll do

• Develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates
• Conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices
• Ensure designs meet required standards and codes, validate field work, and create as-built drawings
• Review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance
• Coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule
• Collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans
• Direct vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements
• Review consultant work and suggest changes as needed
• Maintain documentation, including manuals, drawings, specs, and vendor contacts
• Conduct planning and operational reviews during pre-project phases
• Define project scope, prepare proposals, and evaluate bids
• Submit regular status reports to management
• Assist with contract administration and prepare project documents
• Monitor installations to ensure they meet specs, budgets, and timelines
• Manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field and 5+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
• Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills
• Proficient in engineering economics
• Proficient in AutoCAD
• Willingness to travel to other locations 50% of the time
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred
• Previous experience managing multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable

Compensation and benefits

• $100,000-$130,000 plus bonus

Why this role

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role driving the success of medium to large-scale engineering projects, working independently while collaborating with senior leaders on complex challenges.