Project Engineer Contract Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

This role provides dedicated engineering support to reduce a backlog of turnaround work orders for fixed equipment at a plant site. You will apply mechanical and project engineering expertise to evaluate, plan, and execute turnaround-related activities for fixed equipment, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

• Review and analyze the backlog of turnaround work orders related to fixed equipment and establish clear priorities based on safety, reliability, and operational impact.
• Provide mechanical and design engineering support for fixed equipment, including developing, reviewing, and updating engineering documentation, drawings, and specifications.
• Lead and coordinate project engineering activities for turnaround scopes, ensuring that work on fixed equipment is planned, engineered, and executed according to plant standards and industry best practices.
• Collaborate closely with plant personnel and other engineering disciplines to define work scopes, resolve technical issues, and support decision-making for fixed equipment repairs, replacements, and modifications.
• Evaluate the condition and performance of fixed equipment and recommend engineering solutions that improve reliability, integrity, and maintainability.
• Ensure that all engineering work related to turnaround activities complies with applicable codes, standards, and internal procedures.
• Support field implementation of turnaround projects by providing technical guidance, responding to engineering queries, and verifying that work is completed as designed.
• Document engineering decisions, calculations, and changes to fixed equipment and maintain accurate records for future turnaround and maintenance planning.

• Proven experience as a mechanical engineer working with fixed equipment in an industrial plant environment.
• Demonstrated project engineering experience at the plant level, specifically supporting turnaround activities for fixed equipment.
• Strong knowledge of design and engineering principles related to fixed equipment, such as pressure vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, and related mechanical systems.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for fixed equipment.
• Experience coordinating engineering activities across multiple turnaround work orders and scopes.
• Solid problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues in fixed equipment and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with plant operations, maintenance, and other engineering disciplines.

• Background in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience working in turnaround (TA) environments, supporting planning and execution of fixed equipment work.
• Familiarity with plant-level engineering practices, maintenance processes, and reliability concepts.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple work orders and engineering tasks within turnaround timelines.

This is an onsite role based at an industrial plant in St. James. You will work in a plant environment that includes operating fixed equipment and turnaround activities, requiring close collaboration with operations, maintenance, and other engineering staff. The role involves time in office settings for engineering analysis and documentation, as well as time in the field to review equipment, support project execution, and verify work completion. Standard plant safety practices and appropriate personal protective equipment apply in all relevant areas.

This is a Contract position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $90.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.