What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer position at Sterling Engineering?
Position: Project Engineer
Location: Norfolk, VA Onsite,
with local Travel (50%) in VA and in North Carolina
If you’ve led plant utility projects and can walk through them step-by-step—let's talk. I am looking for a hands-on Project Engineer who can own capital projects from concept through startup—especially within ammonia / industrial refrigeration systems in manufacturing environments. This is not a “sit behind a desk” PM role—you’ll be in plants, driving execution, and leading real change. Must be open to 50% travel to local regions in Virginia and North Carolina.
Overview of Responsibilities
- Lead cradle-to-grave capital projects (scope → design → install → startup)
- Manage utility systems (ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, compressed air, water systems)
- Drive PSM compliance and safety initiatives
- Oversee contractors, vendors, and budgets
- Partner directly with plant operations to execute projects with minimal disruption
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong background in utilities engineering in manufacturing (food preferred)
- Ammonia / industrial refrigeration experience (REQUIRED)
- PSM (Process Safety Management) experience
- Proven ability to own full project lifecycle
- Experience managing budgets vendors
- AutoCAD proficiency
Travel
- ~50% travel (2–3 days/week typical)
- Occasional extended project travel (up to 2 weeks)
- Weekend travel rare (primarily shutdowns)
Overview: Sterling Engineering / Staffing has a rich history of delivering top talent to our clients. We are a nationwide Staffing Firm that has been in business for over 57 years. With over 200 current active clients, with 500 positions in play, Sterling works within the Automation, Energy, Facilities, Information Technology, Food, Logistics / Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Packaging, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering and R&D industries.
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.
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000