Project Engineer in Raleigh

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us: Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services.

We’re currently accepting applications for Project Engineer candidates to be considered for future projects.

Job Summary: The Project Engineer will support the execution of capital projects within regulated manufacturing environments, including pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities operating under cGMP requirements. This role focuses on coordinating and executing project activities within operating facilities, supporting system modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements. The candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, validation, and external vendors to ensure projects are delivered in alignment with technical requirements, controlled documentation processes, and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities:

• Support and execute capital projects within operating facilities or greenfield projects, including equipment installations, system modifications, expansions, and process improvements from scope development through implementation.
• Coordinate project activities across engineering, operations, quality, validation, and vendor teams to ensure alignment with technical, schedule, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in development and execution of project deliverables including scope definition, equipment selection, procurement support, and installation coordination.
• Support implementation of projects in environments requiring change control, validation, and controlled documentation practices.
• Contribute to projects involving process equipment, clean utilities, and manufacturing systems within existing operations and new installations.
• Work independently while leveraging internal, client, and industry resources to deliver accurate and efficient solutions.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with team members, clients, vendors, and contractors.
• Coordinate across cross‑functional teams to support project execution in regulated manufacturing environments and ensure alignment with operational and compliance requirements.

Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including design specifications, project execution plans, and progress reports.
• Collect, track, and communicate project data including schedule updates, risks, and action items.
• Develop and manage documentation in accordance with both engineering project processes (internal execution, tracking, and deliverables) and controlled documentation systems within regulated environments, including cGMP requirements, validation activities, and change control processes.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and project teams regarding project scope, deliverables, risks, and compliance requirements, including engagement with stakeholders at technical, managerial, and executive levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate transfer of information in environments requiring controlled documentation and coordination across multiple stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and communicate issues, risks, and knowledge gaps, leveraging internal resources to support resolution and maintain project progress.
• Support process and project improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, execution, and compliance within regulated environments.
• Develop and implement practical solutions to project and system challenges, working cross‑functionally to address client needs.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment by generating ideas, supporting implementation of improvements, and helping teams adapt to changes within project execution environments.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or equivalent preferred).
• 0–5 years of experience supporting capital projects or project execution, preferably in pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industries or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting execution of capital projects, including coordination of scope, schedule, vendors, and project deliverables.
• Working knowledge of process systems, utilities, and equipment within manufacturing or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with regulated environments (cGMP or similar frameworks) and understanding of how project execution integrates with change control, validation, and documentation systems.
• Ability to support multiple projects and priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Location: Raleigh, NC, Houston, TX, or other client sites. Travel: Flexibility and willingness for travel based on project needs.

Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and company holidays, wellness programs and employee assistance resources.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement: Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws.