Sr. Project Engineer Columbus, Ohio

Forge Biologics; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Annual bonus

Onsite fitness center

Mentorship programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Forge Biologics in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a Sr. Project Engineer to lead CapEx projects from feasibility through start-up. You will own schedules and budgets, deliver critical engineering documents, and drive governance with internal PMO and external partners.

This role requires 7+ years in project engineering, a engineering degree, and experience in GMP/FDA environments. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, manage vendor relations, and ensure safe, compliant delivery at The Hearth site.

Responsibilities

• Supports mid-large scale CapEx projects from feasibility through start-up, ensuring alignment with site CapEx and Site Master Planning strategies.
• Serve as the engineering SME on complex projects, partnering with the Internal PMO and preparing governance documentation for major initiatives.
• Develops and maintains Project Charters, Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Scope of Work (SOW) documents, User Requirements Documents and other critical project documents, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
• Establishes NDAs and negotiates appropriate engineering/design-build contracts in coordination with Finance and Contracts.
• Prepares and maintains engineering project schedules and cost estimates (ROM).
• Leads project meetings to communicate status, timelines, and budget updates.
• Partners with design-build firms to define scope, budgets, and timelines; leads RFP processes and ETOP requirements.
• Provide field oversight of construction activities, ensuring quality, safety, permitting compliance, and timely resolution of project issues.
• Follows PCO and ECN processes to manage scope, financial, and design changes.
• Conducts or supports Technical Design Reviews (TDRs) and risk assessments (dfMEA, PHA, PSSR).
• Drives project quality and change control activities to closure in compliance with site standards.
• Manages relationships with vendors; seeks new partners to support project execution and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Plant Engineering and Maintenance to support CMMS asset configuration, maintenance planning, and FAT/SAT processes.

Job description

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll be part of it. Whether you’re scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you’ll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture ofH.O.P.E.We arehardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We areopen, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We arepurpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we areengaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We’re committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we’re proud to see team members grow with us.

If you’re ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

About The Role:

The Sr. Project Engineer is responsible for the development and execution of CapEx projects at the site. This position will lead or support projects from feasibility/conceptualization through detailed engineering, construction and start-up. The role will be responsible for all applicable project documentation, adherence to budget and schedule all while maintaining the quality of the project. The Sr. Project Engineer will be responsible for engineering technical design decisions from project design through field installation and start-up.

Responsibilities:

• Supports mid-large scale CapEx projects from feasibility through start-up, ensuring alignment with site CapEx and Site Master Planning strategies.
• Serve as the engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) on complex projects, partnering with the Internal PMO on complex projects and preparing governance documentation for major initiatives.
• Develops and maintains Project Charters, Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Scope of Work (SOW) documents, User Requirement Documents and other critical project documents, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
• Establishes NDAs and negotiates appropriate engineering/design-build contracts in coordination with Finance and Contracts.
• Prepares and maintains engineering project schedules and cost estimates (Rough Order of magnitude (ROM).
• Leads project meetings to communicate status, timelines, and budget updates.
• Partners with design-build firms to define scope, budgets, and timelines; leads competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) processes and identifies engineering documentation turnover package (ETOP) requirements needs early.
• Provide field oversight of construction activities, ensuring quality, safety, permitting compliance, and timely resolution of project issues.
• Follows Project Change Order (PCO) and Engineering Change Notification (ECN) processes to manage scope, financial, and design changes.
• Conducts or supports Technical Design Reviews (TDRs) and risk assessments (dFMEA, PHA, PSSR).
• Drives project quality and change control activities to closure in compliance with site standards.
• Manages relationships with vendors; seeks new partners to support project execution and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Plant Engineering and Maintenance to support CMMS asset configuration, maintenance planning, and FAT/SAT processes to ensure operational readiness and successful project handoff.
• Ensures proper documentation is incorporated into the EDMS including all aspects of engineering design, risk assessments, construction documentation, correspondence, schedules and financial information.
• Leads or supports project closure and turnover documentation.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in project engineering, facilities, or capital project development and execution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related Engineering field.
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry (GMP, FDA, etc.)
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with third-party contractors (including contruction and trade contractors).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Project, AutoCAD, and engineering document management systems.
• Familiarity with CMMS, Building Management Systems (BMS), and utility monitoring platforms.
• This role may require occasional weekend or off-hour work depending on project timelines.
• Ability to work onsite (Columbus, Ohio) 4 days/week on average.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in documentation management within a structured Quality Management System (ISO, FDA).
• Hands-on experience with the selection, specification, and procurement of mechanical equipment (e.g., chillers, AHUs, boilers, pumps, piping systems, clean utilities).

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds of materials or equipment.
• Requirement to gown into Classified Areas of the facility (ISO 7 and 8 sterile gowning)
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• The ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 40 pounds
• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly as required

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We’ve built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:

Health from day one

• Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for youandyour family.

Time to recharge

• A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.

Rewarding your impact

• Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.
• 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.
• Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.
• Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.

Fuel for your workday

• A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what’s next.

Grow with us

• Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your care and grow within Forge.