Staff Project Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Project Engineer

Department: Project Development

Payroll Company Name: California Bioenergy LLC
Reports To: Principal Project Engineer
Office Location: This position is in Bakersfield, California and requires full-time onsite work. Hybrid and remote work arrangements are not available for this role.

Annual Salary: $115,000.00 to $125,000.00

Potential Bonus up to 5%

Benefits: Standard CalBio benefits package is available: Medical, dental, vision, life

insurance, 401k with match.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio), founded in 2006, is one of the nation's leading developers, owners, and operators of dairy digester projects. Working closely with our family dairy partners and agencies, including CARB, CDFA, CPUC, CEC, and the EPA, alongside affiliates Midwest Bioenergy, Northwest Bioenergy, and Southwest Bioenergy, we capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and beneficially use it to generate renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity.

Our projects reduce more than 1 million metric tons of CO₂e emissions per year, with a pathway to doubling these reductions over the next three years. A major use of CalBio RNG is as vehicle fuel; when truck fleets transition from diesel to natural gas, pollution emissions can drop by approximately 90%, delivering immediate air-quality benefits in communities such as California's San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. These projects also help protect local air and water quality, create jobs, and provide new revenue and other meaningful benefits for our dairy partners.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Project Engineer supports the development, design, construction, commissioning, and operation of renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, utility, and related infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Principal Project Engineer, this position serves as a key technical resource responsible for coordinating engineering activities, managing project deliverables, supporting construction execution, and resolving complex technical challenges.

The Staff Project Engineer works closely with internal stakeholders, engineering consultants, contractors, equipment vendors, utility providers, and regulatory agencies to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable engineering and environmental standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Engineering & Design Support

• Support engineering design, analysis, and optimization of RNG, biogas upgrading, gas conditioning, utility, and related infrastructure projects.
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with applicable codes, standards, safety requirements, and company specifications.
• Coordinate engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, controls, and process engineering.
• Conduct field investigations and assess existing site conditions to support project development and design efforts.

 

Project Execution & Coordination

• Manage engineering tasks and project activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop high level project schedules and budgets.
• Track project schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure timely execution.
• Coordinate engineering activities between internal teams, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and utility companies to provide project updates to Principal Project Engineer.
• Assist with procurement activities including bid evaluations, vendor selection, and purchase order support.
• Participate in project planning meetings and provide progress updates to the Principal Project Engineer and project stakeholders.
• Support project forecasting, cost tracking, and change management processes.

 

Construction & Commissioning Support

• Provide technical support during construction, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and support field engineering decisions.
• Coordinate engineering reviews of submittals, shop drawings, and contractor documentation.
• Participate in site inspections to verify construction quality and compliance with design requirements.
• Assist with commissioning plans, testing procedures, equipment startup, and performance verification activities.
• Support project turnover and closeout documentation.

 

Risk Management, Compliance & Documentation

• Identify technical, schedule, and construction risks and assist in developing mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and permitting requirements.
• Maintain project records, engineering files, design revisions, and technical documentation.
• Support preparation of permit applications, utility interconnection packages, and agency submissions.
• Assist with development and implementation of engineering standards and best practices.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental Compliance, Procurement, SCADA, GHG and Finance teams.
• Support due diligence efforts for new project opportunities.
• Provide technical information and analysis for project feasibility assessments and internal approvals.
• Participate in meetings with utility providers, regulatory agencies, contractors, and external stakeholders.

CRITICAL SKILL SETS / KEY COMPETENCIES

 

• Strong project coordination and execution skills
• Technical problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
• Budget and schedule awareness
• Continuous improvement focus
• Strong commitment to safety and quality
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and engineering/project management software

ESSENTIAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive engineering and project experience.
• Experience supporting capital projects in renewable energy, biogas, natural gas, utilities, industrial processing, wastewater, agriculture, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of project delivery processes, engineering principles, and construction practices.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar) preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites throughout California and other company operating areas as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work locations are industrial and agricultural, primarily outdoors in the Central Valley of California. Temperatures range from 40&degree;F in the winter to 115&degree;F in the summer. Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment. Regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected.

California Bioenergy will ensure all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to. This position will require lifting to 50 pounds, climbing ladders and stairs, bending, squatting, and crawling in tight spaces to safely access work sites.

[MB1]Removed items that overlap with Process Engineer position