Senior Utilities Project Engineer

Our client, an established food manufacturing operation based in Newport News, Virginia, is seeking a Senior Utilities Project Engineer to lead capital and infrastructure projects across their industrial utilities systems. This is a hands-on engineering role suited to a seasoned professional who understands the operational demands of food production environments and can drive projects from concept through commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering projects for boiler systems, industrial refrigeration, compressed air, and water/wastewater treatment infrastructure
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal operations teams throughout project execution
• Conduct engineering assessments and recommend improvements to utilities systems for efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure all projects adhere to food safety standards, environmental regulations, and applicable codes
• Support maintenance and operations teams with technical guidance on utilities equipment
• Prepare and present project documentation, progress reports, and cost analyses to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline
• Significant project engineering experience in a food manufacturing or food processing environment — required
• Demonstrated expertise managing industrial utilities projects, including boilers, refrigeration, compressed air, and water/wastewater systems
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks, including PSM, EPA, and food safety requirements
• Strong project management skills with a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• PE licensure is a plus but not required

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the chance to take meaningful ownership of critical infrastructure within a stable, established manufacturing operation. Our client supports professional development and offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. If you are an experienced utilities project engineer with a food manufacturing background looking for a long-term opportunity in coastal Virginia, we encourage you to apply.