Construction Project Technical Lead

Company Overview
JC Automation is a global management and technology consulting firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in automation, systems integration, and regulatory compliance. We serve leading organizations across various industries, providing expert guidance from manufacturing to control systems.

Role Overview

The Project Technical Lead (PTL) is responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, compliance, and design quality of capital projects throughout the full project lifecycle. Acting on behalf of the client, the PTL serves as a trusted technical advisor and advocate, ensuring that all engineering decisions, designs, and field execution align with client standards, operational requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role that ensures projects are technically sound, compliant, and fully prepared for successful commissioning and long-term operation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership & Design Governance

• Coordinate with plant stakeholders and engineering/design firms to develop the Design Plan, Design Strategy, and overall technical approach
• Support early-stage technical definition and planning (Conceptual and Basic Design phases)
• Contribute to the development and review of User Requirement Specifications (URS) to ensure alignment with operational needs
• Facilitate and participate in Technical Gate Reviews (30/60/90%) to ensure design quality, compliance, and constructability
• Review engineering deliverables in collaboration with plant and design teams to ensure alignment with:
• Client standards
• Corporate engineering guidelines
• Regulatory requirements (including GxP where applicable)
• Support development and review of Design Qualification (DQ) documentation to confirm designs meet intended use and compliance expectations

2. Field Execution & Technical Coordination

• Act as the single point of technical accountability for assigned projects
• Coordinate technical execution across vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders (Operations, Quality, EHS, Manufacturing)
• Perform field assessments and constructability reviews to ensure installations meet design intent and safety standards
• Lead technical review and resolution of RFIs (Requests for Information), submittals, and vendor documentation
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance of turnover and handover documentation
• Support commissioning readiness by ensuring systems are operable, maintainable, and compliant
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies across design and execution phases
• Lead or support risk assessments, including:
• Safety-by-design evaluations
• Quality Risk Assessments (QRA)
• Equipment and system criticality assessments
• Engage and coordinate Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) as needed
• Interface directly with vendors, suppliers, and engineering teams to maintain technical alignment
• Collaborate with system owners, process owners, and end users to validate operational requirements
• Proactively manage technical issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive effective resolutions
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders

Qualifications & Requirements Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering project delivery
• Experience in Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Life Sciences, or Manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Demonstrated involvement in capital projects, including design, execution, and commissioning

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of:

• Engineering design and project delivery methodologies (FEL / EPD)
• Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q) processes
• Safety and regulatory compliance (GxP, OSHA, and industry standards)
• Experience with process equipment, automation systems, or packaging lines is highly desirable
• Ability to review, challenge, and approve multidisciplinary engineering designs

Systems & Tools

• Experience with Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) such as e-Builder or equivalent
• Familiarity with document control systems, turnover packages, and digital project workflows

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience mentoring and developing technical personnel
• High level of ownership, accountability, and problem-solving capability

Role Impact

The Project Technical Lead ensures that projects are:

• Technically sound from design through execution
• Fully aligned with client standards and operational intent
• Compliant with regulatory and safety requirements
• Prepared for efficient commissioning and reliable long-term operation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85.00 - $105.00 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Houston, TX 77001 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, TX 77001: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85 - $105