Project Engineer - Mechanical

On-Site Location: Colonial Heights, Virginia (local candidates from Richmond, VA preferred) Relocation assistance is available for this position, subject to client approval.

Industry: Industrial/Textile

Project: Large Expansion project (Q1 2025- Q4 2027) in Colonial Heights

Status: Contract

Duration: 24-36 months (Q1/2025-12/2027)

Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer, preferably with a background in mechanical engineering, to lead the execution of capital projects from start to finish. In this role, you will ensure projects are completed with technical precision, adhere to safety standards, and are delivered on time and within budget. As the Owner’s Representative, you will collaborate closely with contractors, stakeholders, and internal teams to align efforts and achieve project goals effectively.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Act as Owner’s Representative for capital projects execution.
• Liaise with Engineering contractor during the FEED/FEL-3 process for ISBL and OSBL equipment. Review approval drawings and provide feedback. Coordinate and lead meetings with Client SMEs, site personnel and engineering contractors.
• Conduct bid walks with contractors in the field for budgetary and firm proposals. Respond to RFIs (requests for information) in a timely manner.
• Provide support for the management of projects through final project closure (including scope development, risk assessments, budgeting, engineering/design, procurement, construction execution, commissioning, startup, and project closure documentation).
• Advocate for strong safety awareness with a consistent implementation of policies and procedures and participate in construction safety audits and contractor safety meetings. Enforce strong safety culture and target zero Recordables.
• Prepare bid packages and requests for proposals (RFP) for materials, equipment, and services. Condition bids received to ensure lowest-cost vendor selection.
• Manage construction contractors for execution of field work in the piping, mechanical, electrical & instrumentation, civil/structural disciplines.
• Work with construction coordinators in planning project construction activities.
• Interface with key site and company personnel to make maximum use of available resources. Such functions will include, but not limited to, site engineering resources, purchasing, operations, systems, and business engineering, as well as equipment vendors, contracting firms.
• Familiarity with piping and mechanical systems such as isometrics, manual valves, specialty items, packaged skid units, modular plants, chillers, cooling towers etc.
• Perform project control activities such as estimating, cost control, scheduling updates

Travel: 10% in the first year (to Engineering firm offices, out-of-state)

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechanical preferred, Other Disciplines acceptable
• 5-10 years of project engineering work experience, preferably in chemical or heavy industry, continuous process plant or a design engineering firm.
• Familiarity with piping and mechanical systems such as isometrics, manual valves, specialty items, packaged skids, chillers, cooling towers etc.
• Basic understanding of industrial work practices as related to Health, Safety and Environmental impacts.
• Work experience in oil, petrochemical or chemical operating facilities. Other heavy industry experience such as pulp & paper is acceptable.
• Previous experience in operations, process engineering, technology, maintenance, construction, construction management, or HSE.
• Previous experience in an operating industrial facility (chemical, petrochemical or other heavy manufacturing).
• SAP software knowledge preferred
• Working knowledge of project management processes, including stage gate processes.
• Working knowledge of project control functions and their application to capital projects (Estimating, Scheduling and Cost Control).
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and client requested background check.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must participate in random drug tests.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Work Environment & Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Work assignment inside an operating plant which requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and climb on a ladder or up and down stairs.
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle to and from job sites or office locations.
• Must be able to attend job walks wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in an operating facility in a hot climate.
• Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits: While this is a short-term contact position, we offer a limited benefits package, which may include: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.

All resumes should be sent to: careers@orion-eng.com

Orion Engineers Constructors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in the E-Verify system.