Mechanical Project Engineer | OSBL Equipment

This is a 12-24 month onsite assignment based in the New Orleans (Waggaman) area. US Citizenship or Permanent US Residency is required.

About Our Client

Our client is developing and operating a major chemical manufacturing facility in Waggaman, Louisiana, producing Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) and Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC) for the battery supply chain. The site is a petrochemical/chemical manufacturing operation requiring engineering support for construction, commissioning, startup, reliability, maintenance, and asset operations activities.

Responsibilities

• OSBL Equipment Portfolio Oversight: Manage the portfolio of OSBL Unit equipment selection, delivery, construction, startup, and commissioning at the Waggaman facility.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Lead OSBL Unit Equipment projects from selection, permitting, construction, commissioning, and closeout, coordinating across multiple project phases.
• Budget & Cost Control: Develop, monitor, and control project budgets; identify cost variances and implement corrective actions; prepare and present budget and status reports.
• Scheduling & Planning: Create detailed project schedules, track progress, and ensure adherence to timelines; manage dependencies and resource allocation.
• Contract & Procurement Support: Consultant selection and subcontractor management; negotiate rates, manage change orders, and resolve disputes.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure projects meet design, safety, and regulatory standards; conduct quality reviews and compliance checks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile owners; communicate project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Data & Reporting: Prepare performance reports, financial models, and presentations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Project and Equipment Support:
  • Participate in capital projects and equipment commissioning activities
  • Review equipment designs for reliability and maintainability considerations
  • Support installation, startup, and performance testing of new equipment
  • Assist with spare parts optimization and inventory management

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution. Advanced degrees or certifications (PMP, LEED, etc.) are advantageous.
• Experience: 10-15+ years in Petrochem/Chemicals/Refinery construction or project management, with experience in manufacturing and utilities.
• Basic knowledge of utility (packaged unit) engineering and operation
• Knowledge of Brine Unit, Waste Gas Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, RO/Demineralizer, Boiler, Chemical Dosing system equipment, controls, and operations in petrochemical or refinery environments
• Knowledge of CMMS systems (SAP, AMS)
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in project management software, budgeting tools, and data analysis; ability to use modeling and reporting to support decision-making
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities; ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt