Sr Project Engineer

Project Engineer - Shutdown Operations & Technical Support

Location:

Kansas City, MO Overview

Our client is shutting down several manufacturing facilities and needs a hands‑on Contract Project Engineer to support the Engineering Director. This person will lead the process of safely shutting down and disconnecting equipment and utility systems across multiple sites.

Note:

this role is NOT about tearing down or removing equipment - that's handled by a separate team. This role is about making sure everything is properly shut off, drained, cleaned out, documented, and safe before it gets handed over for removal.

1. Shut Down Utilities and Services

• Lead the shutdown of things like HVAC, water lines, chilled water, gas lines, and electrical power across multiple sites.
• Look over utility drawings to make sure you're not accidentally shutting off something still in use by an active production area.
• Help vet and bring on contractors/vendors who will physically disconnect and isolate these systems.

2. Shut Down Equipment and Get It Ready for Maintenance/Removal

• Oversee the shutdown of manufacturing equipment - this includes making sure it's purged, drained, and cleaned out so it's safe to work on or remove.
• Manage the paperwork side in SAP: retiring equipment records, closing out maintenance schedules, and adjusting spare parts inventory.
• Make sure all the logs and retirement forms are filled out correctly so equipment is officially marked "Decommissioned."

3. Safety and Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO)

• Be the go-to person for Lock Out Tag Out procedures during the shutdown.
• Physically check and confirm that equipment and utility lines have zero energy (no power, pressure, etc.) before handing off to the next team.
• Make sure any vendors on‑site are following the client's safety rules.

4. Be the Boots-on-the-Ground Support for the Site Director

• Act as the eyes and ears on‑site for the Engineering Director, especially when they're busy at other locations.
• Give frequent updates on progress, problems, and anything holding up the work.
• Keep an eye on vendors doing the technical work (like electrical disconnects or chemical line cleaning) to make sure it's done right and on schedule.

• 5+ years of experience in facility maintenance or facility engineering (mechanical/electrical systems).
• Comfortable being out on the floor - not just at a desk - to check work and supervise vendors in person.
• Solid knowledge of Lock Out Tag Out and hazardous energy control.

• Experience leading shutdowns at pharmaceutical or GMP-regulated facilities.
• Comfortable using SAP for maintenance and asset management (retiring equipment, closing out maintenance records).
• Experience keeping GMP‑compliant documentation.