Senior Specialist - HVAC (Sterile)

Julphar; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Senior HVAC Specialist to oversee design and operation of HVAC systems in sterile environments, ensuring compliance with GMP guidelines. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years experience in GMP-compliant HVAC systems and a relevant bachelor's degree. Responsibilities include managing HVAC operations, collaborating on design projects, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in GMP-compliant sterile pharmaceutical HVAC systems.
• Knowledge of cleanroom HVAC design and environmental monitoring.
• Experience with HVAC system automation and Building Management Systems (BMS).

Responsibilities

• Lead the operation, maintenance, and improvement of HVAC systems.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, EU GMP Annex 1, and relevant guidelines.
• Collaborate on HVAC design for new sterile facilities.

Skills

HVAC system management

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or HVAC Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior HVAC Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the design, operation, maintenance, and compliance of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. The role ensures that all HVAC systems support GMP and regulatory requirements critical for aseptic production and cleanroom classifications.

Key Responsibilities

HVAC System Management

• Lead the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of HVAC systems serving sterile production and classified cleanrooms (ISO 5, 7, 8 / Grade A-D).
• Ensure environmental control and compliance with temperature, humidity, pressure differentials, airflow patterns, and particulate levels.

Compliance & Validation

• Ensure all HVAC operations are compliant with cGMP, EU GMP Annex 1, FDA 21 CFR Part 210/211, and other relevant guidelines.
• Prepare and review validation protocols (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ) for HVAC systems.
• Participate in regulatory audits and provide technical expertise on HVAC systems during inspections.

Project & Design Support

• Collaborate with project teams on HVAC design for new sterile facilities or upgrades.
• Review HVAC drawings, P&IDs, and control strategies to ensure alignment with cleanroom design and classification.
• Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of HVAC systems in sterile manufacturing areas.

Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Analyze environmental monitoring trends and HVAC performance data to proactively identify and resolve deviations.
• Ensure timely investigation and CAPA implementation for HVAC-related non-conformances or out-of-spec environmental conditions.

Documentation & SOPs

• Develop, review, and maintain SOPs related to HVAC operation, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Ensure proper documentation of maintenance activities and change control in compliance with GMP.

Team Leadership & Training

• Mentor and train junior HVAC engineers/technicians.
• Promote best practices and GMP-compliant behavior in HVAC operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVAC Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in HVAC systems in GMP-compliant sterile pharmaceutical environments.
• Strong knowledge of cleanroom HVAC design, pressure cascade, laminar flow, BMS systems, and HEPA filtration.
• Experience with environmental monitoring requirements and data analysis.
• Proven participation in regulatory audits (USFDA, EMA, MHRA, etc.).
• Familiarity with HVAC system automation and Building Management Systems (BMS).

Key Competencies

• In-depth understanding of cGMP, EU GMP Annex 1, and relevant global pharmaceutical guidelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure in a highly regulated environment.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or similar HVAC-related certification.
• GMP / HVAC design and compliance training from recognized bodies.