Project Engineer

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

Support the planning, design, coordination, and execution of facility, infrastructure, and equipment-related projects across the Sky Chefs network. Provide engineering expertise, technical analysis, project oversight, and operational support to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational reliability.

Main Accountabilities

Engineering & Technical Support

• Assist with the planning, design, and execution of facility improvement, equipment installation, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop engineering drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and technical documentation for assigned projects.
• Support facility assessments, equipment evaluations, and asset condition reviews to identify improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, DOT, FAA, environmental, and local regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support for maintenance, facilities, environmental, and operational engineering initiatives.
• Support equipment procurement, commissioning, testing, and validation activities.
• Analyze operational and facility issues and recommend practical engineering solutions.
• Assist in developing maintenance strategies and equipment lifecycle plans.
• Participate in Lean initiatives, automation projects, quality audits, and continuous improvement efforts.

Project Management & Coordination

• Coordinate project activities from design through construction and final implementation.
• Assist in managing project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables.
• Support preparation of contracts, purchase orders, change orders, project documentation, and Ariba requests.
• Track project progress and maintain project records in Procore or equivalent project management systems.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Support permitting activities and ensure compliance with applicable building and environmental requirements.
• Review contractor progress, project reports, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with project closeout activities, including documentation, training, and turnover to operations.

Operational Support

• Provide engineering support to field operations regarding facility systems, utilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Assist with emergency response, troubleshooting, and resolution of facility-related issues.
• Support training efforts related to engineering standards, equipment operation, environmental compliance, and maintenance practices.
• Maintain engineering records, technical standards, and project documentation.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Facilities, Operations, Procurement, Asset Management, and Maintenance teams to support project execution.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for assigned projects.
• Demonstrate Sky Chefs values and support company initiatives and process improvement programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Civil, Construction, or related field) required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of engineering, construction, facilities, manufacturing, or project management experience.
• Experience supporting capital projects, facility improvements, or equipment installations preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, project management methodologies, and construction practices.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements including OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, and local building codes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, project management systems, and computerized maintenance systems.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Up to 20% travel may be required.

Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.