Job Title: Project Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer leads large-scale industrial refrigeration projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring safe, high-quality, and efficient delivery that meets customer specifications, budget, and schedule. This role requires strong project management capabilities, mechanical engineering expertise, and the ability to coordinate multiple trades and stakeholders across simultaneous projects. The Project Engineer serves as the primary point of contact for clients, drives project planning and execution, and proactively manages risk and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale refrigeration construction projects from award through commissioning and final punch list, ensuring all project milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, including owners and general contractors, to clarify expectations, address concerns, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Review and manage project contracts to confirm alignment with project scope, terms, and conditions, and ensure all parties understand their obligations.
• Collaborate with multiple trades and disciplines to coordinate work, maintain high quality standards, and keep projects on schedule.
• Develop, maintain, and adhere to detailed project schedules, ensuring alignment with overall contractor and site schedules.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels for each project phase and manage the procurement of materials, tools, and equipment to ensure timely delivery to project sites.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and local vendors to support cost-effective procurement of materials and services.
• Oversee project scope and manage change orders, balancing customer satisfaction with effective control of project costs and timelines.
• Track and support engineering progress throughout the design phase, ensuring that engineering deliverables align with project goals and schedules.
• Coordinate with purchasing teams to track material orders, monitor delivery schedules, and resolve any supply chain issues that may impact project progress.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, particularly those related to ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all project aspects, including contracts, change orders, schedules, budgets, and correspondence, and provide regular status updates to leadership and clients.
• Provide weekend and evening support as needed to assist field construction activities and address time-sensitive project issues.
• Perform any additional tasks necessary to successfully complete projects and support overall project and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME preferred).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration or related projects such as HVAC, commercial refrigeration, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination across multiple concurrent projects.
• Mechanical engineering background with the ability to interpret and work with engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in project management software for scheduling, tracking, and reporting.
• Familiarity with CAD and the ability to work with engineering drawings and designs.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure cost-effective procurement of materials, equipment, and services.
• Ability to solve complex issues independently within project constraints and make sound business decisions within budget parameters.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing projects effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage client expectations and provide clear, timely updates on project progress.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accountability for safety, quality, and compliance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Expertise in ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems, including a deep understanding of relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License.
• Ability and willingness to travel to construction sites nationwide as required.
• Experience working on turnkey industrial refrigeration syst