Project Engineer

Project Engineer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

We’re currently accepting applications for Project Engineer candidates to be considered for future projects.

Job Summary: 

The Project Engineer will support the execution of capital projects within regulated manufacturing environments, including pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities operating under cGMP requirements.

This role focuses on coordinating and executing project activities within operating facilities, supporting system modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements. The candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, validation, and external vendors to ensure projects are delivered in alignment with technical requirements, controlled documentation processes, and regulatory expectations.

Candidates should have an understanding of how projects are implemented in regulated environments, including exposure to change control, validation activities, and documentation systems, and the impact these requirements have on project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Project Support: 

• Support and execute capital projects within operating facilities or greenfield projects, including equipment installations, system modifications, expansions, and process improvements from scope development through implementation.
• Coordinate project activities across engineering, operations, quality, validation, and vendor teams to ensure alignment with technical, schedule, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in development and execution of project deliverables including scope definition, equipment selection, procurement support, and installation coordination.
• Support implementation of projects in environments requiring change control, validation, and controlled documentation practices.
• Contribute to projects involving process equipment, clean utilities, and manufacturing systems within existing operations and new installations.

• Collaboration: 

• Work independently while leveraging internal, client, and industry resources to deliver accurate and efficient solutions.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with team members, clients, vendors, and contractors.
• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to support project execution in regulated manufacturing environments and ensure alignment with operational and compliance requirements.

• Documentation: 

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including design specifications, project execution plans, and progress reports.
• Collect, track, and communicate project data including schedule updates, risks, and action items.
• Develop and manage documentation in accordance with both engineering project processes (internal execution, tracking, and deliverables) and controlled documentation systems within regulated environments, including cGMP requirements, validation activities, and change control processes.

• Communication: 
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and project teams regarding project scope, deliverables, risks, and compliance requirements, including engagement with stakeholders at technical, managerial, and executive levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate transfer of information in environments requiring controlled documentation and coordination across multiple stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and communicate issues, risks, and knowledge gaps, leveraging internal resources to support resolution and maintain project progress.
• Innovation: 

• Support process and project improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, execution, and compliance within regulated environments.
• Develop and implement practical solutions to project and system challenges, working cross-functionally to address client needs.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment by generating ideas, supporting implementation of improvements, and helping teams adapt to changes within project execution environments.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Background: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or equivalent preferred)
• Equivalent education and experience may be considered for candidates with significant experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated manufacturing environments

• Experience: 
• 0–5 years of experience supporting capital projects or project execution, preferably in:
• Pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industries
• OR other regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., food & beverage, semiconductor, or cleanroom-based industries)
• Candidates without direct pharmaceutical experience may be considered if they have relevant, transferable experience, such as:
• Equipment installation and commissioning
• Process equipment or manufacturing systems projects
• Clean utilities, HVAC systems, or facility infrastructure work
• Project execution within operating facilities requiring coordination across multiple stakeholders
• Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are expected to demonstrate either:
• Direct pharmaceutical / cGMP experience
• OR clearly transferable experience within regulated or highly controlled environments

• Technical Skills: 

• Demonstrated experience supporting execution of capital projects, including coordination of scope, schedule, vendors, and project deliverables.
• Experience developing and managing project documentation, including meeting notes, action tracking, and project deliverables aligned with execution requirements.
• Working knowledge of process systems, utilities, and equipment within manufacturing or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with regulated environments (cGMP or similar frameworks) and understanding of how project execution integrates with change control, validation, and documentation systems.
• Experience coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support project implementation.

• Adaptability: 

• Ability to support multiple projects and priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Willingness to work across different project types and technical challenges.

• Initiative: 

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive project tasks to completion.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

• Nice to Have:
• Experience supporting capital projects within pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with change control, deviation management, or CAPA processes
• Experience supporting CQV or validation-related project activities
• Experience with one or more of the following within regulated environments:
• Clean utilities, process equipment, or manufacturing systems
• Maintenance programs, CMMS systems, or GMP-aligned maintenance practices
• Prior experience working in pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, or adjacent regulated industries

Location: Raleigh, NC, Houston, TX, or other client sites.

Travel: Flexibility and willingness for travel based on project needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, 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/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

 Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.