Senior Project Engineer

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Senior Project Engineer in Salisbury, MD or Chesapeake, VA area!

*** Relocation assistance is available

*** 35% travel

*** Candidates must have strong experience managing construction-related capital projects from start to finish, facility expansions, rebuilds, and large-scale improvements**

Responsibilities:

• Lead multi-disciplinary capital projects in support of capacity expansion, modernization, safety, reliability, and cost reduction initiatives across facilities.
• Develop, maintain, and execute Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Project Management Plans (PMPs), schedules, and budgets in accordance with company capital governance requirements.
• Serve as the primary owner of project outcomes, from feasibility and basis of design through commissioning, maintenance spare parts, and operational handoff.
• Establish and manage approved capital budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Maintain accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead formal change control processes, including scope, cost, and schedule impacts, ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect safety, cost, schedule, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with plant operations and maintenance teams to ensure designs support long term reliability and safe operation.
• Oversee construction, installation, and commissioning activities to ensure assets are delivered by design intent and operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permitting, regulatory requirements, food safety considerations, and internal corporate policies.
• Lead bid package development, contractor selection, and vendor evaluations in partnership with Purchasing and Legal.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 9 years of progressive experience managing capital or engineering projects in industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, or food processing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading multimillion dollar capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of project controls, budgeting, scheduling, change management, and contractor oversight.
• Proven ability to lead cross functional teams and work effectively in plant environments.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting, safety regulations, and regulatory compliance in manufacturing settings.
• Experience with project management, financial, and reporting tools (e.g., MS Project, Power BI, ERP systems).