Job Description

Position: PROJECT ENGINEER / PROJECT MANAGER – cGMP CAPITAL PROJECTS

Location: Waukegan, IL (50% travel required throughout the U.S. Midwest)

Duration: 36+ Months (with potential extension)

Travel: Up to 50% to active project sites

Sterling Engineering is seeking experienced Project Engineers / Project Managers (PMP) to support large-scale cGMP facility buildouts, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades for a leading life sciences / food and beverage manufacturer. This role is ideal for a technically strong, field-capable project leader who can drive CAPEX projects ranging from $50M–$200M through design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

Operating within FDA-regulated environments, the Project Engineers / PMs will partner closely with Global Engineering, Operations, Quality, EH&S, and Construction Management teams to ensure compliant, cost-effective, and on-schedule delivery of complex capital programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CAPEX projects ($50M–$200M) across cGMP manufacturing, utilities, packaging, and infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and risk management from concept through handover.
• Coordinate design reviews, engineering deliverables, and technical decision-making with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between engineering, construction management, contractors, and site operations.
• Review and validate design packages (P&IDs, layouts, specifications, equipment drawings).
• Manage procurement activities, vendor selection, and contract administration.
• Provide on-site oversight during construction, installation, commissioning, qualification, and start-up.
• Ensure adherence to FDA, cGMP, ISO , and corporate engineering standards.
• Drive project governance, reporting, and communication to senior leadership.
• Lead issues management, change control, and resolution of field challenges.
• Support safety programs, site readiness, and operational handoff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PMP Certification Required (active and in good standing).
• 10+ years of engineering project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or regulated food industries .
• Proven success managing capital projects between $50M and $200M .
• Strong technical understanding of cGMP facility design, utilities, process equipment, packaging systems, and infrastructure .
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (advanced degree a plus).
• Demonstrated field experience during construction, commissioning, CQV, and turnover.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Willing and able to travel up to 50% to domestic project sites.
• Experience with CQV , FAT/SAT, and validation protocols.
• Experience in FDA-regulated brownfield and greenfield expansions.
• Familiarity with engineering tools and systems (AutoCAD, MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, SAP Ariba).

About us…Sterling Engineering…we offer FULL BENEFITS! As a Sterling Engineering W2 employee on contract, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 3 Medical plans to choose from, Dental & Vision plans, 401(k) with a match, and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

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.

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