Project Engineer II
Direct Hire
Richmond, VA
About the role:
The Project Engineer II is responsible for managing small to large-scale packaging engineering projects within a cGMP and FDA-regulated manufacturing environment. This role focuses on packaging equipment design, selection, installation, and optimization through identification of opportunities and implementation of effective solutions.
This position requires the ability to independently initiate, plan, and execute projects while also contributing to more complex initiatives. Project Engineer II collaborates cross-functionally to ensure equipment is properly selected, installed, and validated, while meeting production, quality, cost, and compliance objectives.
What you'll do:
Technical & Project Execution
Provide engineering support for packaging equipment projects for new and existing products within the Richmond facility and third-party operations
Design and develop packaging equipment lines and support systems integration
Lead or support installation, commissioning, and verification of packaging equipment
Develop and execute equipment testing and qualification protocols to ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements
Assist with vendor testing, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)
Project Management
Initiate, plan, and manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope, schedule, and budget
Perform cost estimation for equipment, installation, labor, and materials; track and report project costs
Support capital project planning, budgeting, and long-range planning initiatives
Conduct project status updates and present progress to stakeholders and leadership
Review and approve contractor bids, RFIs, and change requests
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, Purchasing, and vendors to resolve packaging challenges and implement solutions
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (Engineering, EHS, Quality, Production) to ensure successful project execution
Ensure alignment with site standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure all activities comply with FDA cGMP and company policies
Support site change control processes for new equipment and process changes
Manage or support the Engineering Verification Process (equipment validation)
Identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and new technologies
Promote and exemplify cGMP compliance in all activities
Documentation & Training
Prepare and maintain project documentation including SOPs, job aids, and technical reports
Maintain accurate project records and history files
Train production staff on new equipment and processes
Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior team members
Our ideal candidate:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, personal care, or similar preferred)
Experience with equipment design, installation, commissioning, and validation in a cGMP environment
Skills & Abilities:
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects independently
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
Effective communication and technical writing skills
Working knowledge of FDA cGMP requirements
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and technical drawings
Experience with CAD or similar design software preferred
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
What we offer:
Competitive salaries with a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, Life and AD&D, 401(k), and more.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly ® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.
About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
