Associate Director Facilities and Engineering

Bend Bioscience, LLC; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bend Bioscience, LLC in Georgia seeks a seasoned Director of Facilities & Engineering to lead maintenance, reliability, and capital projects at our site. You will ensure cGMP and safety standards while driving continuous improvement and cost efficiency.

You will manage budgets, oversee engineering staff, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and support commissioning and qualification of new equipment and facilities. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in pharma validation and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in electrical, chemical, industrial, mechanical or pharmaceutical engineering; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in pharmaceutical validation within a GLP/GMP environment.
• 5+ years of people management.
• Strong knowledge of reliability engineering and asset lifecycle management.
• Experience with budgeting and capital projects.
• Familiarity with aseptic filling, lyophilization, solid oral dose equipment, HVAC, utilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and reliability of manufacturing equipment, facility infrastructure, and utilities.
• Ensure cGMP compliance and internal quality systems across engineering and facility activities.
• Apply engineering principles to design, install, and optimize equipment and systems.
• Develop, implement, and maintain facility and equipment procedures and PM programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on capital projects and commissioning.
• Monitor facility-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Use data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement in operations.
• Maintain professionalism and alignment with organizational values.
• Support audits at site, division, or regulatory levels.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

cGMP compliance

Budget management

Project management

CMMS

EHS programs

Education

Bachelor's in electrical/chemical/industrial/mechanical/pharma engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Bend Bioscience, our core values shape how we work, lead, and grow—together.

We’re a High Science, High Service, people-centered company, committed to amplifying the potential of medicines. Our team thrives on being authentic, curious, and accountable, while staying flexible, collaborative, and driven by care. We blaze trails by challenging the status quo, pursuing excellence in everything we do, and maintaining relentless focus on delivering real impact.

Whether you're in the lab, on the floor, or supporting our clients, your work at Bend Bioscience will matter. You’ll join a team that values continuous learning, bold thinking, and doing the right thing—even when it's hard.

Leadership

How you will make an impact:

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Facilities and Engineering department, fostering team engagement through coaching, development, and collaboration.
• Identify, recruit, and retain skilled professionals while promoting a diverse and inclusive team culture.
• Set clear performance standards and support professional growth through delegation, goal setting, continuous feedback, and performance management.
• Champion organizational values and empower employees to take ownership of their learning and development.
• Maintain transparent communication through regular meetings, one‑on‑one discussions, and written updates to ensure alignment and clarity across the team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and reliability of manufacturing equipment, facility infrastructure, and utility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), regulatory standards, and internal quality systems in all engineering and facility‑related activities.
• Apply engineering principles to support the design, installation, and optimization of equipment and systems that enhance operational performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain facility and equipment procedures, preventive maintenance programs, and documentation to support consistent and compliant execution of tasks.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support capital projects, equipment commissioning, and facility upgrades aligned with operational goals.
• Monitor and manage facility‑related risks, including environmental, safety, and regulatory concerns, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to identify trends, drive continuous improvement, and support decision‑making related to facility and equipment operations.
• Professional Conduct and Workplace Culture: Ensure full‑time attendance, exhibit professionalism with business associates, and align daily actions with organizational values.

Education

What you will bring to the role:

Minimum Required: Bachelor’s in electrical, chemical, industrial, mechanical or pharmaceutical engineering or related discipline. Preferred: Masters degree

Experience

Required: 10 plus years in pharmaceutical validation within a GLP/GMP environment a related industry with increasing responsibility. Required People Management: 5 plus years

KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

• Ability to apply engineering and scientific principles to analyze and resolve complex technical problems, and to develop procedures, specifications, and standards for new systems and equipment.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and executing projects using project management methodologies; certification such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt) is highly beneficial.
• Knowledge of reliability engineering principles, including asset lifecycle management, predictive maintenance tools, and condition monitoring techniques.
• Experience managing operational and capital budgets, with the ability to align financial planning to strategic engineering and facility goals.
• Understanding of commissioning and qualification processes, and sound knowledge of engineering aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of aseptic filling, lyophilization, solid oral dose manufacturing, packaging equipment, HVAC systems, utility systems, and building automation technologies.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and experience supporting EHS programs and participating in audits at site, division, or regulatory levels.
• Ability to apply mathematical formulas and engineering principles to perform accurate technical calculations and support task execution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and role related software to manage documentation, analyze data, prepare reports, and support project planning and communication.