Administrative Assistant, Engineering

Cambrex; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex is seeking an Engineering Administrative Assistant to support the Engineering Department in a regulated manufacturing environment. You will help ensure documentation accuracy, purchasing support, and project coordination.

Responsibilities include handling requisitions, SAP transactions, cost tracking, and coordinating contractor activities while maintaining thorough records and timely communications with internal teams and vendors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; clerical training beneficial.
• Three or more years of administrative assistant or related experience.
• Experience in manufacturing or regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide general administrative support to the Engineering Department.
• Process purchase requisitions and capital project purchases as needed.
• Coordinate with suppliers for quotes, lead times, and shipping dates.
• Receive materials in SAP and coordinate invoice payments.
• Work with Accounting to track CARs through approval and completion.
• Assist project engineers with cost tracking and documentation.
• Enter equipment details and spare parts into SAP for capital projects.
• Coordinate contractor safety training and access control.
• Maintain department files and reports; prepare minutes and letters.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual department reports.
• Other administrative duties as assigned to support objectives.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Organization

Windows-based tools

Microsoft Office

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SAP

Job description

You Matter to Cambrex

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

Company Information

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services. With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world.

Job Overview

The Engineering Administrative Assistant provides clerical and administrative support to the Engineering Department to help ensure efficient department operations, accurate documentation, timely purchasing support, and effective coordination of project and contractor-related activities. This role supports engineering, maintenance, and capital project needs while maintaining strong organization, communication, and attention to detail in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform general administrative duties to support Engineering Department needs.
• Process purchase requisitions and order items as needed for capital projects, maintenance operations, and department needs.
• Contact suppliers and vendors to obtain equipment quotations, lead times, shipment dates, and related purchasing information.
• Receive materials in SAP and coordinate invoice payments with Accounts payable.
• Work closely with Accounting to enter Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) into the system and track them through the approval and completion process.
• Assist project engineers with cost tracking, equipment tracking, and administrative support for capital projects.
• Enter equipment details and spare parts into SAP for capital projects.
• Coordinate contractor safety training and manage contractor security access.
• Support, maintain, edit, and update department files, records, and reports as needed.
• Compile and track change management documentation.
• Assist with revising, issuing, and maintaining documents such as Standard Operating Procedures, department spreadsheets, shipping documents, and related records.
• Provide general office support, including scheduling meetings and conference calls, publishing meeting minutes, preparing business letters, processing shipping orders, and issuing check requisitions.
• Process and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual department reports.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned to support departmental objectives and business needs.

Qualifications/Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in a Windows-based computer environment, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email/calendar applications.
• Microsoft Office experience required; SAP experience highly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Maintenance, Project Engineering, Procurement, Accounting, Accounts Payable, suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; formal administrative or clerical training is beneficial.
• Three or more years of administrative assistant, office coordinator, or office manager experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, construction, maintenance, or regulated office environment is beneficial.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Aff