Start-Up Support Engineer

Client is seeking an experienced Start-Up Support Engineer to assist in the pre-commissioning,
commissioning, and start-up of industrial facilities in Pineville, LA. The ideal candidate will have
expertise in mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, ensuring a smooth
transition from construction to fully operational status.
This role involves pre-checks, safety audits, system validation, performance testing, vendor
coordination, and compliance with industry standards. Experience in chemical plants, manufacturing
facilities, pharmaceutical plants, or industrial process start-ups is highly desirable. Additionally, the
candidate should have experience with Validation Acceptance Testing (VAT) and Installation
Qualification/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) protocols, particularly in regulated industries like
pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Pre-Start-Up Checks & Safety Audits
* Conduct pre-commissioning checks to verify the readiness of equipment and systems.
* Perform safety audits, hazard assessments (HAZOP, HAZID), and risk analysis before start-up.
* Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, API, ASME, FDA, GMP, ISO, and other regulatory
standards.
* Validate lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, emergency shutdown systems, and fire protection
systems.
* Ensure that all permits-to-work (PTW), confined space entry permits, and electrical isolation
procedures are in place.

2. Start-Up & Commissioning Support
* Develop and execute start-up procedures, test plans, and commissioning schedules.
* Conduct functional testing, loop checks, and system integration for mechanical, electrical, and
control systems.
* Oversee first fills, flushing, chemical cleaning, and passivation processes before initial
operation.
* Ensure safe and efficient start-up of process equipment, utilities, and auxiliary systems.
* Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to troubleshoot start-up
issues.

3. Equipment & System Validation (Including VAT & IQ/OQ)
* Lead Validation Acceptance Testing (VAT) to ensure equipment meets operational and quality
standards.
* Execute Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols in
compliance with industry regulations (FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, etc.).
* Conduct pressure testing, leak detection, flow rate measurements, and control system
calibration.
* Ensure documentation of qualification protocols, test results, and deviations to support
regulatory audits.

4. Troubleshooting & Technical Support
* Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues during start-up.
* Optimize system parameters to ensure safe and efficient operations.
* Provide on-site guidance to operators and technicians for troubleshooting and system
adjustments.
* Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for any failures or performance
deviations.

5. Vendor & Contractor Coordination
* Work with equipment vendors, contractors, and EPC teams to resolve technical discrepancies.
* Review and validate vendor documentation, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) results, and
start-up procedures.
* Ensure timely execution of warranty repairs and equipment adjustments.
6. Documentation & Training
* Prepare and maintain pre-start-up checklists, start-up reports, punch lists, and as-built
documentation.
* Assist in developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), training manuals, and
maintenance guidelines.
* Train plant operators and maintenance personnel on system operation, troubleshooting, and
compliance requirements.

7. Compliance & Safety
* Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations during start-up
activities.
* Participate in HAZOP reviews, risk assessments, and safety audits.
* Implement and monitor compliance with permit-to-work (PTW), confined space entry, hot
work permits, and LOTO procedures.
* Verify compliance with pharmaceutical and food industry safety and validation protocols (if
applicable).
Key Skills & Competencies:
* Expertise in industrial plant commissioning, start-up, and troubleshooting.
* Strong knowledge of rotating/static equipment, process piping, control systems, and
instrumentation.
* Proficiency in reading P&IDs, isometrics, equipment manuals, and electrical schematics.
* Experience with VAT (Validation Acceptance Testing), IQ/OQ (Installation & Operational
Qualification), and safety compliance audits.
* Strong understanding of pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up methodologies.
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Educational Qualifications:
* B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Instrumentation Engineering or equivalent.
* Certifications in Commissioning, Start-Up, Validation (GMP, FDA, ISO 9001, Six Sigma, OSHA,
PMP) are a plus.