Director, Engineering and Maintenance

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Director of Engineering & Maintenance in Irvine, California. This leadership role involves managing engineering strategy, overseeing major capital projects, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry, along with strong leadership and analytical skills. Comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, retirement plan, and generous paid time off are offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• 7+ years leading engineering, maintenance, and facilities teams.
• 5+ years of GMP experience, including aseptic processes and clean utilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute mid and long term engineering strategy.
• Lead major CAPEX projects ensuring on time delivery.
• Establish governance processes to improve operational performance.
• Oversee Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Automation, and Calibration teams.

Skills

Leadership skills

Pharmaceutical engineering

Project management

GMP compliance

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

"Expect to grow", personally and professionally: At Siegfried, we offer exciting challenges and ample opportunities to showcase your talents. As a trusted and respected partner to the pharmaceutical industry, we uphold the highest standards in safety, quality and sustainability, while fostering a culture that empowers you to thrive. Join a rapidly expanding global company, where diverse perspectives and experiences come together in a collaborative environment. Here, you'll find a workplace that values both collective success and your individual contributions—offering long‑term opportunities to grow and make an impact.

Your Role:

We are seeking a Director of Engineering & Maintenance to lead critical site functions, drive strategic initiatives, and elevate operational excellence across our pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This is a leadership role where technical expertise meets strategic vision. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our site through engineering innovation, capital project execution, and people development.

Your Profile:

As Director of Engineering & Maintenance, you will:

• Define and execute the mid and long term engineering strategy aligned with site and corporate goals
• Lead major CAPEX projects from concept through execution—ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification
• Establish and drive robust governance processes to track and improve operational performance
• Oversee Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Automation, and Calibration teams
• Ensure equipment reliability, asset lifecycle optimization, and KPI performance
• Partner cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, M&ST, Quality Assurance, and Project Management
• Support facility expansions, equipment acquisitions, and site modifications, including qualification activities
• Drive continuous improvement in aseptic operations, clean utilities, and GMP compliance
• Lead technical evaluations, equipment selection, and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies
• Actively contribute to Deviation, CAPA, and Change Control (DCR) processes
• Manage departmental budgets, including CAPEX and maintenance budgets exceeding $3M
• Develop and mentor a high‑performing engineering organization

What You Bring

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead technical teams
• Deep expertise across:
  • Pharmaceutical engineering & manufacturing
  • Maintenance & reliability systems
  • Automation & process equipment
  • GMP compliance and aseptic operations
• Proven ability to manage complex capital projects and cross‑functional initiatives
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• Strong analytical mindset with sound decision‑making capabilities
• Proficiency with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Microsoft Project, Excel, and related systems

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent)
• 15+ years of engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• 7+ years leading engineering, maintenance, and facilities teams
• 5+ years of GMP experience, including aseptic processes and clean utilities

Demonstrated ownership of CAPEX and maintenance budgets > $3M

Your Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (including dependents)
• Life insurance, short and long term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Target Base Salary: $180,000 – $280,000

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.