Project Engineer

Position : PROJECT ENGINEER / PROJECT MANAGER – cGMP CAPITAL PROJECTS

Location : Waukegan, IL (50% travel required throughout the U.S. Midwest)

Duration : 36+ Months (with potential extension)

Travel : Up to 50% to active project sites

Sterling Engineering is seeking experienced Project Engineers / Project Managers (PMP) to support large-scale cGMP facility buildouts, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades for a leading life sciences / food and beverage manufacturer. This role is ideal for a technically strong, field-capable project leader who can drive CAPEX projects ranging from $50M–$200M through design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

Operating within FDA-regulated environments, the Project Engineers / PMs will partner closely with Global Engineering, Operations, Quality, EH&S, and Construction Management teams to ensure compliant, cost-effective, and on-schedule delivery of complex capital programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CAPEX projects ($50M–$200M) across cGMP manufacturing, utilities, packaging, and infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and risk management from concept through handover.
• Coordinate design reviews, engineering deliverables, and technical decision-making with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between engineering, construction management, contractors, and site operations.
• Review and validate design packages (P&IDs, layouts, specifications, equipment drawings).
• Manage procurement activities, vendor selection, and contract administration.
• Provide on-site oversight during construction, installation, commissioning, qualification, and start-up.
• Ensure adherence to FDA, cGMP, ISO , and corporate engineering standards.
• Drive project governance, reporting, and communication to senior leadership.
• Lead issues management, change control, and resolution of field challenges.
• Support safety programs, site readiness, and operational handoff.

QUALIFICATIONS

About us…Sterling Engineering…we offer FULL BENEFITS! As a Sterling Engineering W2 employee on contract, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 3 Medical plans to choose from, Dental & Vision plans, 401(k) with a match, and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.