Project Engineer

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000 - $110,000 per year.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Position Summary:
As a Project Engineer at GEA, you will be instrumental in managing and executing projects from initial purchase order review through successful startup. This role integrates project administration with engineering responsibilities, ensuring effective coordination across multiple disciplines, compliance with client requirements, and delivery of high-quality technical solutions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and excels in both communication and technical project management within process and equipment engineering environments. This position is at our Columbia, MD facility 4 days per week, and 1 day remote.

Key Responsibilities

Project Administration:

• Review client purchase orders and specifications to verify alignment with GEA’s scope of supply and latest proposals.
• Develop and manage project scope of supply, budgets, and schedules to meet project goals.
• Update job cost reports regularly, prepare quarterly project summaries, approve subvendor invoices, and prepare client invoices accurately and on time.
• Coordinate project support teams including Process, Purchasing, Design, Instrumentation & Control (I&C), Structural Engineering, and Field Service.
• Attend technical meetings and seminars as required to maintain project alignment and progress.
• Provide technical support to troubleshoot and resolve issues with new and existing plant installations.

Project Engineering:

• Prepare Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) based on calculations from Process Engineering.
• Design equipment layouts within general arrangement drawings to optimize plant design and operations.
• Develop detailed technical and equipment specifications ensuring compliance with project requirements.
• Issue purchase requisitions and evaluate vendor bids for technical and commercial suitability.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to select vendors based on technical competence, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Review and approve vendor submittals and drawing packages submitted to clients and vendors.
• Oversee inspection and field erection of equipment, particularly Niro equipment, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Prepare and coordinate the assembly of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
• Supervise mechanical checkout of equipment and coordinate startup activities, including process and I&C support.
• Train plant operators and support personnel to ensure successful operations.
• Contribute to team goals by completing tasks assigned by supervisors efficiently.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in project engineering or similar roles; experience with chemical process and fabrication design preferred.
• Proficient in process engineering documentation, technical specifications, and equipment layouts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Customer-focused with strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and time management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Motivated to develop leadership skills continuously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and occasionally stressful environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software applications.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as required.

If you are a driven Project Engineer looking to contribute to innovative engineering projects within a global industry leader, GEA offers an exciting opportunity to grow and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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