Senior Project Engineer - Construction

Location: Louisville, KY

Department: General

 

A Senior Project Engineer reports to a Team Leader and is responsible for the delivery and execution of commissioning and project services for complex equipment and systems supporting large-scale automotive manufacturing facilities.

This role offers the opportunity to work on technically complex projects involving building systems, manufacturing environments, construction, and automation-driven facilities. Candidates with experience in commissioning, construction, project management, controls systems, automation, or process engineering are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who works well with a high degree of autonomy, takes ownership of assignments, and is comfortable identifying what needs to be done and driving work forward with limited day-to-day direction. Successful candidates will also be expected to learn, adopt, and consistently apply FST Technical Services' processes, standards, and best practices.

This position requires approximately 50% travel, supporting projects across the United States and Canada. The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to travel as project needs require.

Responsibilities

Primary activities include completing office assignments, time and expense management, in-field installation validation, field observation reports and meeting notes, functional performance testing, on-site and factory witness testing, writing of reports and meeting notes, submittal reviews, and design documentation evaluation.

Depending on the candidate's background, responsibilities may also include supporting or leading construction, project management, commissioning, or technical activities throughout the project lifecycle.

Additional activities include:

• Executing target billable hours and managing tasks within established time budgets

• Taking ownership of assigned projects, tasks, and deliverables with a high degree of autonomy

• Leading commissioning and project meetings and coordinating with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams

• Assisting the construction team with identifying and solving technical issues as they arise

• Interpreting contract documents to identify scope gaps, maximize opportunities to provide value for clients, and reduce project risk

• Applying and continuously developing knowledge of FST Technical Services' processes, standards, documentation requirements, and best practices

• Proactively communicating project status, risks, issues, and opportunities to Team Leaders and project stakeholders

• Identifying opportunities to improve project execution, efficiency, quality, and client outcomes

Administrative activities include supporting the Team Leader in coordinating weekly staff scheduling, training and mentoring team members on proper documentation, field procedures, and equipment usage, participating in and leading sessions of the company-wide developmental safety and training programs, and supporting revenue targets and quality assurance goals by expanding relationships with existing clients.

This role will involve regular travel to project sites throughout the United States and Canada, including automotive manufacturing and other advanced facility projects. Candidates must be comfortable working in both office and field environments and traveling to various job sites as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in HVACR, mechanical or electrical engineering, construction management, process or automation engineering, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience

• 7+ years of relevant experience in commissioning, construction, project management, maintenance, engineering controls, automation, or related technical fields; or 3+ years of experience in the commissioning industry

• Candidates without direct commissioning experience but with strong construction or project management experience are encouraged to apply

• Experience managing or coordinating the interconnectivity of building equipment, including pumps, fans, motors, air ventilation, chillers, boilers, steam distribution, heat absorption, building automation systems, optimization techniques, electrical distribution, fire alarm, variable refrigerant flow, and wastewater systems

• Knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, bid processes, contracts, and ancillary industry documents

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage priorities with limited supervision

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and drive them to resolution

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt established processes, procedures, and standards

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Public speaking and presentation skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal team members

• Adaptability to varying indoor and outdoor working conditions

• Physical fitness, capability to lift at least 30 pounds, and ability to climb ladders

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Valid passport required and ability to travel internationally between the United States and Canada

• Flexibility to travel approximately 50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct commissioning experience, particularly within complex commercial, industrial, or advanced manufacturing environments

• Experience supporting automotive manufacturing or advanced industrial facilities

• Construction management or project management experience

• Background in controls systems, building automation, process engineering, or industrial automation

• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders, contractors, vendors, and project teams

• Trade association involvement

• EIT, ACP, CEM or similar certification

• OSHA 30 or other safe workplace certifications

• Familiarity with building information modeling

Growth & Development

This role offers strong career growth opportunities within FST Technical Services. As the company continues to expand in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, high-performing team members will have opportunities to take on increasing leadership responsibilities and advance into senior technical, project management, commissioning, or management roles.

FST Technical Services supports the development of team members from a variety of technical backgrounds. Candidates with strong construction, project management, engineering, controls, automation, or commissioning experience can leverage their existing expertise while developing additional skills across the full project lifecycle.

Salary range: $100,000 to $130,000

FST Technical does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.