Director, Engineering

Socket.dev

Petersburg (VA)

On-site

USD 180,000 - 210,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

Phlow seeks a Director of Engineering to drive excellence across manufacturing, process development, technology implementation, capital projects, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement. You will partner with Operations, Quality, and executive leadership to design, implement, and maintain systems supporting a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.

The role leads engineering, maintenance, and facilities teams, sets KPIs, and ensures safety, quality, and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
Minimum 10 years engineering experience in regulated industries (pharma/biotech/chemical).
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership managing engineering teams and projects.
Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing engineering initiatives.
Strong understanding of cGMP and regulated environments.
Experience with Lean/Six Sigma or Operational Excellence methodologies.
Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-growing organization.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering strategy aligned with operations, manufacturing and growth.
Mentor and develop engineering, maintenance and facilities teams.
Establish KPIs and drive reliability, efficiency and quality improvements.
Oversee capital projects, design reviews, risk assessments and execution.
Drive manufacturing process optimization and technology transfers.
Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Support automation, digital manufacturing, and data systems initiatives.
Ensure compliance with cGMP, FDA, OSHA, EPA and other regulations.
Prepare and manage engineering budgets and cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Change management

Financial acumen

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

The Director, Engineering will be responsible for driving engineering excellence across manufacturing, process development, technology implementation, capital projects, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Process Development, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), and Executive Leadership to ensure the successful design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of systems that support Phlow's mission of creating a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership & Strategy

Develop and execute the engineering strategy aligned with Phlow's operational, manufacturing, and growth objectives.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering, maintenance, and facility team, fostering accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Establish engineering goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to improve reliability, efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
Build organizational capability through talent acquisition, succession planning, coaching, and employee development.
Serve as a key member of the operations and technical leadership teams.
Establish and monitor department KPI’s and promote a positive safety culture

Operations and Tech Transfer Support

Support Tech Transfer activities to bring new products into the plant with equipment, process, and utility requirements.
Support Operations with all facilities and equipment requirements to run safely and efficiently.

Capital Projects & Facilities

Lead planning, budgeting, execution, and commissioning of capital projects, facility expansions, and process improvements.
Oversee engineering design reviews, feasibility studies, risk assessments, and project execution activities.
Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Manage relationships with engineering firms, equipment vendors, contractors, and technology partners.

Manufacturing & Process Engineering

Drive optimization of manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and production capacity.
Collaborate with Operations and MS&T teams to identify and implement process improvements that improve throughput, yield, quality, and reliability.
Support technology transfers, scale-up activities, and introduction of new manufacturing capabilities.
Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions related to process or equipment performance issues.

Reliability, Maintenance & Asset Management

Develop strategies to maximize equipment uptime and asset lifecycle performance.
Partner with maintenance and operations teams to establish preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Improve reliability metrics through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ensure engineering support is available for critical manufacturing and facility operations.

Automation & Digital Manufacturing

Support implementation and optimization of automation systems, process controls, data systems, and digital manufacturing solutions.
Partner with IT and Operations to develop scalable technology roadmaps that improve operational efficiency and process visibility.
Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing performance.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

Ensure all engineering activities comply with cGMP, FDA, OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
Support audits, inspections, validations, qualification activities, and regulatory submissions as required.
Champion process safety management principles and risk mitigation strategies.

Financial Management

Develop and manage engineering operating and capital budgets.
Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality, safety, or compliance.
Monitor project and departmental financial performance and provide regular updates to executive leadership.

The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $210,000, with the final offer determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and education. In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is eligible to participate in Phlow's bonus and stock option programs. Phlow also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, life, and disability insurance; retirement savings plans; paid time off and company holidays; and education-related benefits. Many of these programs are fully funded or significantly subsidized by the company, reflecting our commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and professional development of our employees.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline).
Minimum 10 years of engineering experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical manufacturing, or related regulated industries.
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience managing engineering teams and complex projects.
Demonstrated experience leading capital projects and manufacturing engineering initiatives.
Strong understanding of cGMP requirements and regulated manufacturing environments.
Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence frameworks.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and rapidly growing organization.
Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

Key Competencies: