Pharma CQV Lead: Commissioning & Startup Expert

Brunel; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel is seeking a Deputy Commissioning Manager to support planning, coordination, and execution of commissioning, qualification, and validation activities for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.

This role will help ensure systems are safely commissioned, properly documented, and transitioned through CQV and Operational Readiness in strict alignment with regulatory and project requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline; PE preferred.
• 10+ years of industrial commissioning, startup, CQV, or facility operations experience.
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Commissioning Manager in developing and executing commissioning strategies, plans, schedules, and procedures.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary commissioning activities across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, utilities, HVAC, and automation systems.
• Lead commissioning teams and coordinate with Engineering, Construction, QA/QC, CQV, Operations, vendors, and client representatives.
• Support system turnover from Construction through Commissioning, CQV, and Operations, including Mechanical Completion Packages and Turnover Packages.
• Ensure commissioning activities and documentation align with CQV requirements and minimize duplicate testing and rework.
• Develop and review commissioning test procedures, checklists, acceptance criteria, and energization plans.
• Ensure compliance with FDA/EU cGMP, ISPE Baseline Guides, GAMP 5, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Review drawings, P&IDs, control schematics, and project specifications to support commissioning activities.
• Facilitate commissioning meetings, track progress, resolve technical issues, and provide project status updates.
• Support operational readiness and successful facility startup.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional coordination

CQV methodologies

Regulatory compliance

P&ID review

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

PE license preferred

Tools

Project management software

P&ID software

Job description

Brunel is seeking a Deputy Commissioning Manager to support planning, coordination, and execution of commissioning, qualification, and validation activities for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.

This role will help ensure systems are safely commissioned, properly documented, and transitioned through CQV and Operational Readiness in strict alignment with regulatory and project requirements.