Project Manager

Job Title:

Engineering Project Manager - Capital Projects (Pharmaceutical Packaging) Job Description The Engineering Project Manager leads all phases of capital projects, from conceptual estimates through equipment fabrication, commissioning, validation, start-up, and closeout. This role focuses primarily on an end-of-line packaging line within an aseptic facility while also supporting additional capital projects as needed. The position requires strong technical expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging, proven experience managing full project lifecycles, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. Responsibilities Lead all phases of capital project management, including initiation, conceptual estimating, scoping, planning, scheduling, budgeting, commissioning, validation, start-up, and closeout. Develop multi-objective project scopes that balance technical, financial, schedule, and compliance requirements. Create preliminary budgets and schedules for assigned projects and maintain accurate financial spending forecasts. Work closely with project sponsors and stakeholders to prepare Capital Project Appropriation (CPA) requests, including project descriptions, justifications, cost estimates, budgets, schedules, analysis of alternatives, and other required documentation. Research and present alternative technical and cost options for customers while ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and regulations. Plan and coordinate activities with the equipment OEM, including finalizing equipment design, preparing for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and managing commissioning and installation. Support and manage aspects of large-scale projects (typically $5-$10 million in scope) under the guidance of a senior project manager, taking ownership of assigned workstreams. Facilitate project meetings, presentations, and status reporting to ensure all stakeholders remain informed of project progress, issues, and changes. Develop Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for design services, construction services, and major equipment purchases. Develop capital and expense budget requests for future projects during the annual budget cycle. Arrange and coordinate training for maintenance and operations personnel on new equipment and systems. Obtain, organize, and properly distribute all relevant documentation, including testing and certification records, validation documentation, as-built drawings, spare parts lists, and operating and maintenance manuals. Manage and coordinate the safe, timely, high-quality, cost-effective, and compliant implementation of assigned projects in collaboration with site customers and subject matter experts. Administer, resolve, and control design, construction, contractual, and financial issues for assigned projects. Oversee start-up and check-out of new equipment and systems, inspect construction work, and develop and close out project punch lists. Ensure frequent communication and conduct regularly scheduled meetings between the project team and other stakeholders. Ensure all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements are met for assigned projects. Generate RFPs for purchased equipment and services as needed and lead the development of User Requirement Specifications (URS) for equipment and services. Procure, track, and close out project equipment and service purchases, ensuring alignment with project scope and budget. Provide or coordinate the development of complete design documentation for assigned projects. Prepare documentation necessary for internal project approvals and governance reviews. Generate change control documentation as required by project commissioning and validation needs. Provide or coordinate qualification documentation for assigned projects, as applicable. Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging lessons learned from prior projects to enhance future project planning and execution. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Demonstrated experience in capital expenditure (CapEx) project management, personally managing full lifecycle projects from initiation, concept development, scoping, scheduling, planning, budgeting, commissioning, and validation. Strong experience with commissioning activities in a regulated manufacturing environment. Experience working in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, including familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Hands-on experience with packaging systems or packaging lines in a manufacturing setting. Proficiency with project management tools and systems, including Microsoft Project and related platforms. Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint for project presentations and stakeholder communication. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholder groups. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across engineering, operations, quality, and other functions. Proven problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical and project issues and develop practical solutions. Effective time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple concurrent activities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, verified through references. Additional Skills & Qualifications Approximately 3-5 years of relevant project management experience in an engineering or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is highly beneficial. Experience with aseptic or sterile manufacturing facilities and associated equipment is an advantage. Exposure to managing projects in the $5-$10 million range is a plus. Experience working with OEMs on equipment fabrication, FAT, and site installation is beneficial. Familiarity with change control processes and qualification documentation in a regulated environment is advantageous. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a strong plus. Professional Engineer (PE) license is considered an asset. Interest in ongoing professional development in project management, including training on tools such as Microsoft Project, stakeholder analysis, and advanced project planning techniques. Motivation to grow into longer-term or direct opportunities within a large, global organization. Work Environment This role supports multiple projects across two manufacturing facilities and one laboratory facility located in the Portage and Kalamazoo area. The Engineering Project Manager works within a capital projects organization that oversees a diverse portfolio, including capital equipment installations, packaging lines, boiler projects, warehousing projects, and other infrastructure initiatives. The position involves close collaboration with a senior engineering leader responsible for capital projects and requires regular interaction with cross-functional teams such as operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering. The typical workweek is approximately 40 hours, with the possibility of occasional overtime depending on project demands. The project assignment is expected to last at least six months, with a strong likelihood of extension based on performance and project needs. The environment is highly regulated, following GMP and other applicable local, state, and federal requirements, and involves working with advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging technologies. Consultants receive access to a comprehensive online learning platform after six months, offering extensive project management and technical courses, and are eligible for standard holidays and paid time off as part of the engagement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Kalamazoo, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $48.07 - $55.29/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Kalamazoo,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.