Project Engineer

Avantor • Bakersfield, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Avantor is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead engineering projects and provide technical expertise across a range of complex assignments. This role applies advanced knowledge of engineering principles, project management practices, and operational objectives to successfully execute projects from concept through completion. The Senior Project Engineer manages medium- to large-scale projects and critical phases of major engineering initiatives, ensuring project deliverables are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements. Working independently under general supervision, this position exercises sound judgment in resolving complex technical challenges and may provide guidance, mentorship, and assistance to Project Engineers, entry-level professionals, and technical support personnel. This is a full-time position based out of our Carpinteria, CA location.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• 5–8+ years of engineering and project management experience in a manufacturing, industrial, pharmaceutical, food processing, or related environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing engineering projects from conception through completion.
• Experience working with contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong technical engineering knowledge and application of engineering principles.
• Excellent project planning, budgeting, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functional areas.
• Strong decision-making and risk assessment skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Experience with capital projects, facility improvements, process systems, and equipment installations.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and drive engineering projects and major project phases, helping ensure alignment with project objectives, schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Manage multiple project assignments simultaneously, balancing technical, operational, and business needs to support successful outcomes.
• Analyze engineering challenges, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Support project budgeting, cost evaluations, forecasting, and financial tracking to keep projects within approved funding levels.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions as needed to support schedule, cost, quality, and technical objectives.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert in assigned areas, providing guidance and support to project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, contractors, vendors, consultants, and subcontractors to facilitate effective project execution and alignment.
• Review engineering designs, calculations, specifications, and drawings to help ensure technical accuracy and compliance with applicable standards.
• Participate in risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support compliance with safety policies, environmental regulations, quality standards, and industry best practices.
• Prepare and communicate project updates, technical analyses, schedules, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assist with contractor management activities, including reviewing invoices, verifying work completion, and supporting project expenditure approvals.
• Provide technical guidance during project planning, construction, startup, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Perform engineering calculations, including static and dynamic load analyses, energy balances, and process evaluations, as required.
• Develop and maintain Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for new and existing systems using AutoCAD.
• Create and review site layouts, equipment layouts, and construction drawings utilizing AutoCAD.
• Develop and maintain 3D models and equipment designs using SOLIDWORKS.
• Produce detailed 2D and 3D drawings to support fabrication, installation, and construction activities.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and provide completion forecasts and status updates.
• Share technical knowledge, best practices, and project experience with Project Engineers and other team members to support skill development and team effectiveness.
• Contribute to developing and improving project management and engineering processes to enhance project execution and operational efficiency.
• Build collaborative relationships across functions and help facilitate alignment among stakeholders to support project and business objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering excellence, project delivery, and operational performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The expected pre-tax pay for this position is $78,000.00 - $125,350.00
• Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
• We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior