Engineer II - Frontline Engineering (Downstream Operations)

Lonza; Vacaville (CA); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching plan

Life insurance, as well as short-term/

Disability insurance

Employee assistance programs

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Lonza in Vacaville, CA is seeking a Frontline Engineer to support biopharmaceutical manufacturing. You will act as a system and equipment SME, addressing complex technical challenges and driving continuous improvement in a GMP environment.

This site-based role emphasizes real-time collaboration, startup and qualification of new equipment, data-driven improvements, and cross-functional partnership across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, MSAT, and EHS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in supporting pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing equipment in a GMP environment.
• Hands-on experience in downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations (chromatography, viral filtration, etc.).
• Demonstrated project leadership delivering improvements and system changes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across functions.
• Proficiency with SAP, MS Office, P&IDs, and data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Support 24/7 manufacturing operations as a system and equipment SME, ensuring readiness.
• Investigate unplanned events using root cause analysis to deliver sustainable solutions.
• Lead small to medium improvement projects driving operational excellence.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, QA, Engineering, Maintenance, MSAT, Automation, EHS.
• Provide SME support for startup, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends and improvements.
• Support CAPEX projects and New Product Transfers from concept to qualification.

Skills

System SME

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

P&IDs

Data visualization tools

Job description

Play a critical role at the heart of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, directly supporting life‑saving drug production. As a Frontline Engineer, you will act as a system and equipment subject matter expert, solving complex technical challenges, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring manufacturing readiness in a GMP-regulated environment.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $93,000 to $155,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching plan
• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

• Directly support 24/7 manufacturing operations as a system and equipment SME, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and ready for use.
• Investigate and assess complex unplanned events, applying structured problem solving and root cause analysis to deliver sustainable solutions.
• Lead and manage small to medium-sized improvement projects, driving operational excellence and reliability.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Maintenance, MSAT, Automation, and EHS to deliver on production schedules.
• Provide SME support for startup, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and systems, including on‑call support as required.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and lead implementation activities.
• Support CAPEX projects and New Product Transfers, contributing technical expertise from conceptual design through qualification.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing equipment and systems in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Hands‑on experience in downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations within a commercial GMP facility, supporting equipment and processes such as chromatography, viral filtration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, or bulk drug substance operations.
• Demonstrated project leadership skills with experience delivering improvements and system changes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Proficiency with tools such as SAP, MS Office, P&IDs, and data visualization tools preferred.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.