Mechanical & Piping Project Engineer - Senior

Mechanical & Piping Project Engineer - Senior Location: Olen, Belgium
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Annually Renewable Assignment (Initial Contract Duration: Until 31 December 2026)
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Full-time (2 days remote per week)

Role Overview

The site in Olen is investing in the modification and expansion of its production facilities to accommodate increasing demand, evolving processes, stricter regulations, and higher safety and environmental standards. The Project Engineering Department supports operational departments in the realization of capital investment projects and manages the complete project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and concept development through detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning.

As a Senior Mechanical & Piping Project Engineer, you are responsible for the Mechanical & Piping scope within multidisciplinary CAPEX projects. You act as the discipline owner and are responsible for technical design, coordination of engineering activities, supplier and contractor management, as well as construction and commissioning support. Depending on the size and complexity of the project portfolio, you will either independently develop engineering concepts or manage external engineering partners. You serve as the key technical interface between internal stakeholders, the project organization, and external engineering firms.

Projects are executed within an operational brownfield manufacturing environment, where safety, reliability, technical quality, and minimal impact on production are critical priorities. For smaller projects, you may also take on the role of Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Mechanical & Piping Project Engineer within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Translate process and project requirements into mechanical and piping concepts and detailed designs.
• Develop, review, and approve technical designs and engineering deliverables, including layouts, equipment specifications, P&IDs, piping class specifications, routing designs, and isometrics.
• Evaluate technical solutions for feasibility, safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities (civil, E&I, structural, construction, etc.).
• Act as Discipline Lead for external engineering partners, providing technical direction, quality control, and ensuring timely delivery of engineering deliverables.
• Prepare technical specifications, RFQs, and tender documentation.
• Perform technical evaluation of bids and support vendor selection.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, technical specifications, and contractor selection.
• Interface with suppliers of mechanical equipment and piping components.
• Participate in technical clarification meetings.
• Monitor fabrication, inspections, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), delivery, installation, and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Oversee construction quality during project execution.
• Ensure compliance with technical standards and quality requirements.
• Prepare, manage, and close punch lists through to full mechanical completion.
• Provide support during pre-commissioning, SAT activities, and start-up, primarily for mechanical and piping installations.

• Monitor scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risks within the Mechanical & Piping discipline throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively identify and manage technical risks and interfaces with other disciplines.
• Support Project Managers with cost estimates, investment proposals, project schedules, and resource planning.
• Act as backup to the Project Manager when required.
• Independently manage smaller capital investment projects from concept phase through mechanical completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent through experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Mechanical & Piping Engineering within the process industry or heavy industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience as Discipline Owner or Lead Engineer in multidisciplinary capital investment projects.
• At least 3 years of experience managing and technically supervising external engineering partners.
• Experience in brownfield projects is a significant advantage.

• Static and rotating equipment.
• Piping systems, materials, and piping classes.
• Valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and support structures.
• Industrial safety and engineering design standards.

• Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations such as PED, ATEX, EN 13480, and Good Engineering Practices.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD Plant 3D is considered an advantage.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and industrial CAPEX processes.

• Strong technical judgment and pragmatic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make independent decisions within the assigned discipline.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Collaborative and coaching-oriented approach toward colleagues, suppliers, and engineering partners.
• Structured, results-driven, and quality-focused.
• Safety is a natural priority in all project-related activities.

• Familiarity with relevant Mechanical & Piping standards and Good Engineering Practices.
• VCA-VOL certification is required, or willingness to obtain it before assignment start.
• Project Management certification (IPMA, PMP, or equivalent) is considered an asset.

• Fluent Dutch (spoken and written).
• Good command of English sufficient for technical documentation and professional discussions.

Location & Travel

• Primary work location: Olen, Belgium.
• On-site presence is required due to close interaction with production, maintenance, and project teams.
• Occasional international travel may be required for supplier visits, FATs, or project execution activities.

Contract Details

• Start Date: ASAP
• Initial Contract Duration: Until 31 December 2026
• Engagement Type: Long-term collaboration anticipated