Start-Up Support Engineer

Start-Up Support Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Start-Up Support Engineer to assist in the pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up of industrial facilities in Pineville, LA. The ideal candidate will have expertise in mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to fully operational status.

This role involves pre-checks, safety audits, system validation, performance testing, vendor coordination, and compliance with industry standards. Experience in chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical plants, or industrial process start-ups is highly desirable. Additionally, the candidate should have experience with Validation Acceptance Testing (VAT) and Installation Qualification/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) protocols, particularly in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-commissioning checks to verify the readiness of equipment and systems.
• Perform safety audits, hazard assessments (HAZOP, HAZID), and risk analysis before start-up.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, API, ASME, FDA, GMP, ISO, and other regulatory standards.
• Validate lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, emergency shutdown systems, and fire protection systems.
• Ensure that all permits-to-work (PTW), confined space entry permits, and electrical isolation procedures are in place.
• Develop and execute start-up procedures, test plans, and commissioning schedules.
• Conduct functional testing, loop checks, and system integration for mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Oversee first fills, flushing, chemical cleaning, and passivation processes before initial operation.
• Ensure safe and efficient start-up of process equipment, utilities, and auxiliary systems.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to troubleshoot start-up issues.
• Lead Validation Acceptance Testing (VAT) to ensure equipment meets operational and quality standards.
• Execute Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols in compliance with industry regulations (FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, etc.).
• Conduct pressure testing, leak detection, flow rate measurements, and control system calibration.
• Ensure documentation of qualification protocols, test results, and deviations to support regulatory audits.
• Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues during start-up.
• Optimize system parameters to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Provide on-site guidance to operators and technicians for troubleshooting and system adjustments.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for any failures or performance deviations.
• Work with equipment vendors, contractors, and EPC teams to resolve technical discrepancies.
• Review and validate vendor documentation, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) results, and start-up procedures.
• Ensure timely execution of warranty repairs and equipment adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain pre-start-up checklists, start-up reports, punch lists, and as-built documentation.
• Assist in developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), training manuals, and maintenance guidelines.
• Train plant operators and maintenance personnel on system operation, troubleshooting, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations during start-up activities.
• Participate in HAZOP reviews, risk assessments, and safety audits.
• Implement and monitor compliance with permit-to-work (PTW), confined space entry, hot work permits, and LOTO procedures.
• Verify compliance with pharmaceutical and food industry safety and validation protocols (if applicable).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in industrial plant commissioning, start-up, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of rotating/static equipment, process piping, control systems, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in reading P&IDs, isometrics, equipment manuals, and electrical schematics.
• Experience with VAT (Validation Acceptance Testing), IQ/OQ (Installation & Operational Qualification), and safety compliance audits.
• Strong understanding of pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Educational Qualifications

• B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Instrumentation Engineering or equivalent.