Project Engineer (Utilities)

Job Title: Project Engineer (HVAC and Utilities) Location: Waukegan, IL Industry: Pharmaceutical / Manufacturing Employment Type: 16+ month contract Hours: Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week Pay: $45-60/hour, depending on experience Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP Overview: 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. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in the field, conducting site walks, evaluating existing equipment, coordinating vendors and contractors, and overseeing projects from initial scope through installation, commissioning, and closeout. This is not a purely desk-based or controls-focused position. 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 systemsGlycol systemsChilled waterHot water distributionAir Handling Units (AHUs)Fans, filters, coils, and related HVAC componentsDevelop project scopes and review drawings, submittals, 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. Required: Demonstrated project engineering or hands-on project management experience involving building utilities and/or HVAC systems.Hands-on experience with several of the following:SteamChilled waterHot waterGlycolHVAC systemsAir Handling Units (AHUs)Utility/HVAC distribution systemsAbility 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. Preferred: 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 SystemsSteam & Hydronic UtilitiesChilled & Hot Water SystemsGlycol SystemsUtility DistributionP&IDsMechanical & Electrical DrawingsEquipment SelectionVendor / Contractor ManagementProject Scope DevelopmentCommissioningFacilities / Utilities EngineeringControls & Instrumentation Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is a hands-on Project Engineer with strong utilities and HVAC experience who can move comfortably between the field and project documentation. This person should be able to walk an operating facility, identify infrastructure issues, determine appropriate upgrade or replacement solutions, coordinate vendors and contractors, and drive projects through installation and commissioning. Experience in pharmaceutical, industrial, manufacturing, or other regulated environments is highly desirable. 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.