Associate Engineer – Primary Container Testing, Characterization & Qualification (Biopharmaceuticals) - (JP16064)

3 Key Consulting; Thousand Oaks (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

3 Key Consulting is seeking an Associate Engineer to support primary container testing, characterization, and qualification for a leading biopharmaceutical client in Thousand Oaks, CA. The role is a contract position within the MSAT Container Science and Engineering group.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Bioscience or Engineering with lab experience and strong data analytics, complemented by solid technical writing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Bioscience or Engineering preferred.
• 4+ years of related lab experience preferred.
• Ability to work onsite in Thousand Oaks, CA with a hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

• Gather user requirements and translate into technical documentation for execution.
• Perform engineering studies and assessments for drug delivery systems and container characterization/qualification.
• Provide detailed data analysis to enable informed senior staff decisions.
• Assist in qualifying new primary container platforms.
• Provide hands-on technical support for primary container issues across manufacturing operations.

Skills

Lab experience

Communication skills

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's/Engineering degree

Associate degree + experience

Job description

Associate Engineer – Primary Container Testing, Characterization & Qualification (Biopharmaceuticals) - (JP16064)

• Thousand Oaks, CA
• Biotech/Pharmaceutical

Job Title: Associate Engineer – Primary Container Testing, Characterization & Qualification (Biopharmaceuticals) - (JP16064)

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320 (hybrid)

Employment Type: Contract

Business Unit: DP&DD Pre-Comm. Packaging Development

Duration: 18+ months with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent

Posting Date: 11/2/2026

Pay Rate: $30 - $33/hour W2 with benefits

Notes: Role is expected to be onsite 3 times a week. Candidates live within a 50 mile drive or would be willing to relocate.

3 Key Consulting is hiring an Associate Engineer – Bioscience with strong data analytics skills,for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Ideal candidate: flexible with overtime during the week when necessary. Rarely will they need to work over 12 hours in a day. Preferring bachelor’s degree in Bioscience or Engineering.

Job Description:

This position reports into the Container Science and Engineering department within MSAT (Manufacturing Science and Technology ) under CPO (Combination Product Operations). This position involves support of senior staff in the initiation, design, and delivery of projects, particularly in primary container design, characterization, and qualification. Position requires the application of engineering principles to successfully perform the job functions. This role will use technical skills and the ability to coordinate and communicate across different functions to successfully complete projects. The Associate Engineer shall have the ability to work on multiple projects at one time that may involve changes or new product, processes, tooling or equipment introduction to improve quality and reliability and reduce cost.

Responsibilities:

• Employ basic engineering skills and practices to gather user requirements and translate them into technical documentation for execution.


• Assist with project definition by performing engineering studies and assessment for drug delivery systems.


• Provide detailed data analysis to enable senior staff to make informed decisions.


• Assist with project definition by performing engineering studies/assessments for device and container characterization/qualification.


• Assist in qualifying new primary container platforms


• Provide hands‑on technical support for primary component issues related to customer complaints, aseptic filling, lyophilization and inspection operations for the manufacture of commercial biopharmaceuticals

Why is the Position Open?

Supplement additional workload on team

Skills:

• Previous lab experience


• Strong oral and verbal communication and presentation skills


• Experience in analysis of data generated from a variety of analytical techniques is preferred


• Strong technical writing skills are preferred

Top Must Have Skills:

• Technical writing skills


• Strong ability to analyze data generated from a variety of analytical techniques and systems is preferred


• Previous lab experience in Engineering or Biochemistry labs is helpful but not required

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Assist engineers with the following:


• Designing studies and drafting protocols


• Compiling historical data from different analytical systems


• Analyzing data and presenting results


• Writing summary reports


• Executing protocols, including lab testing (using vacuum decay leak tester, Instron force testers, balances, microscopes, pressure chambers, analytical measurement equipment such as calipers, optical comparators, bore gauges, automated stoppering units, pipettes, and decrimpers).

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor degree OR Associate degree and 4 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 6 years of experience

Red Flags:

• Candidate has inflexible schedule


• Candidate cannot work possible overtime


• Candidate cannot work onsite at Thousand Oaks, CA


• Bachelor’s degree not in Science or Engineering

Interview process:

One‑on‑one phone screening, followed by an in‑person 1:6‑10 person group interview (Virtual interviews for non‑local candidates) Interviews can start immediately