What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical / Piping Construction Lead position at Planet Pharma?
- Location: Central Indiana
- Engagement Type: Contract (W2 or 1099)
- Target Start: August / September 2026
- Experience Required: 20 years required
- Compensation: Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Rate structure (W2 or 1099) determined at time of engagement. Compensation reflective of seniority, scope complexity, and program criticality.
Planet Pharma is seeking a senior Mechanical/Piping Construction Lead to support a large-scale pharmaceutical capital program in Central Indiana. This is an owner's representative leadership role responsible for overseeing all mechanical and process piping construction activities across a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate brings 20 years of capital construction experience in pharma, biotech, or related process industries, with deep expertise in hygienic piping systems, process mechanical equipment, and GMP construction requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide owner's representative oversight of all mechanical and process piping construction activities including hygienic process piping, utility piping, HVAC mechanical systems, and associated equipment
- Monitor contractor installation progress against approved construction schedules; identify scope gaps, conflicts, and quality deficiencies and escalate appropriately
- Verify mechanical and piping installations against IFC drawings, P&IDs, isometrics, and approved submittals
- Coordinate piping and mechanical scope interfaces with E&I, CSA, HVAC, and equipment construction leads
- Oversee hydrostatic testing, flushing, passivation, and pre-commissioning activities for process and utility piping systems
- Lead punch list development and field verification for mechanical and piping scopes; track and drive closeout
- Manage RFI and submittal review processes for piping and mechanical scope; interface with engineering team on field conditions
- Support turnover documentation including system completion packages, test records, and mechanical completion certificates
- Ensure contractor compliance with site safety standards, GMP welding and fabrication standards, and quality requirements
- Mentor Mechanical/Piping Construction Supervisors and Coordinators within the team
- 20 years of capital construction experience with a focus on mechanical systems and process piping — REQUIRED
- Direct pharma or biotech capital project experience strongly preferred; petrochemical, LNG, or O&G piping experience considered for applicable scopes
- Demonstrated owner's representative or client-side construction management experience on programs of $100M
- Deep expertise in hygienic piping systems, orbital welding standards, flushing and passivation protocols, and GMP piping documentation
- Strong knowledge of P&ID interpretation, pipe stress considerations, and process utility systems (WFI, clean steam, CIP/SIP)
- Experience with hydrostatic testing, leak testing, and pre-commissioning mechanical systems
- Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, SmartPlant, or equivalent construction management platforms
- OSHA 30 certification required; ASME/ANSI piping standards knowledge required
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred
- Ability to work full-time on-site in Central Indiana