Project Engineer (Utilities)

About the Role

Our client is seeking a hands-on Project Engineer to support utilities and HVAC infrastructure upgrade projects across a large manufacturing facility. This role will focus on modernizing aging utility and HVAC systems and ensuring reliable operation across multiple buildings and production areas. This is not a purely desk-based or controls-focused position.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular site walks to identify equipment, utility, and infrastructure issues and improvement opportunities.
• Evaluate and scope repair, retrofit, and replacement projects involving:
• Steam systems
• Glycol systems
• Chilled water
• Hot water distribution
• Air Handling Units (AHUs)
• Fans, filters, coils, and related HVAC components
• Develop project scopes and review drawings, submittents, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Lead utility distribution system upgrade and retrofit projects within facility buildings.
• Plan and manage AHU projects, including full equipment replacements and component-level upgrades.
• Identify appropriate equipment and vendors based on project requirements.
• Obtain, review, and evaluate vendor and contractor quotations/proposals.
• Coordinate contractor activities and oversee field installation to ensure work meets project scope, quality, safety, and site requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional project meetings.
• Oversee commissioning activities for new and upgraded systems.
• Verify completed systems operate as intended and meet required performance standards.
• Manage punch lists and drive projects through final completion.
• Collaborate with maintenance, instrumentation/controls, engineering, operations, and other internal teams to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Provide regular project updates, including schedule, risks, issues, and mitigation plans.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Demonstrated project engineering or hands-on project management experience involving building utilities and/or HVAC systems.
• Hands-on experience with several of the following:
• Steam
• Chilled water
• Hot water
• Glycol
• HVAC systems
• Air Handling Units (AHUs)
• Utility/HVAC distribution systems
• Ability to conduct field assessments and determine equipment or system replacement/upgrade needs.
• Experience selecting vendors and equipment and managing contractors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and electrical drawings.
• Strong communication and coordination skills when working with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in equipment rooms, mechanical spaces, production areas, and other field environments.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with HVAC controls or controls engineering, including familiarity with control schematics and sequences of operation.
• Background in facilities, utilities, pharmaceutical, industrial, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience upgrading or modernizing aging infrastructure across multiple buildings or facilities.
• Experience with commissioning, equipment startup, and project closeout.

Technical Skills

• HVAC / AHU Systems
• Steam & Hydronic Utilities
• Chilled & Hot Water Systems
• Glycol Systems
• Utility Distribution
• P&IDs
• Mechanical & Electrical Drawings
• Equipment Selection
• Vendor / Contractor Management
• Project Scope Development
• Commissioning
• Facilities / Utilities Engineering
• Controls & Instrumentation