Federal Process Engineer

TL;DR

Federal Process Engineer (Industrial and Federal Engineering): Developing and executing process engineering designs for Department of Defense and Department of Energy facilities with an accent on process safety, automation, process calculations, and multidisciplinary delivery. Focus on designing PFDs and P&IDs, optimizing industrial processes, supporting HAZOP and commissioning activities, and solving complex engineering challenges in regulated federal environments.

Location: Hybrid position based in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States; includes site visits, field investigations, and approximately 10% travel.

Salary: $90,000–$110,000 per year, plus performance-based bonuses and a U.S.-based benefits package.

Company

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm providing integrated engineering and consulting solutions across industrial, energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and advanced robotics projects.

What you will do

• Evaluate industrial, manufacturing, utility, chemical, and production processes to improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Develop process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, heat and material balances, process narratives, equipment specifications, and data sheets.
• Perform mass, energy, and hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, process layout development, and utility coordination.
• Support process hazard analyses, HAZOP studies, safety reviews, regulatory assessments, construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and participate in client meetings, technical reviews, presentations, proposals, budgeting, and project planning.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead small engineering task teams or discipline-specific work packages.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with significant process experience, Industrial Engineering with relevant process experience, or a related discipline.
• 5–10 years of progressively responsible process engineering experience.
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, semiconductor, or advanced technology facilities.
• Experience producing engineering calculations, technical reports, specifications, and design documents, preferably for federal clients, defense contractors, EPC, or design-build projects.
• Experience with process automation, controls integration, process safety analyses, risk assessments, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel-based calculations, AutoCAD or AutoCAD Plant 3D, Bluebeam Revu, and related modeling or simulation tools; ability to work in field, hybrid, and office settings and wear required PPE.

Nice to have

• Professional Engineer license.
• Certified Process Safety Professional, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, PMP, or ISA Certified Automation Professional certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Employee-owned organization focused on inspiring, achieving, connecting, and creating sustainable long-term impact.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Wellness programs, employee assistance resources, and professional development support.