Pharma Project Manager – Engineering (GMP Manufacturing)

Aequor; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor in Chattanooga, TN seeks a Project Manager I (Engineering) for a 12-month contract to lead engineering initiatives across design, procurement, and site construction, ensuring scope, schedule and budget adherence. The role requires strong coordination with operations and safety champions to maintain GMP and FDA standards.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in project management, an engineering degree, and PMP or PE certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in engineering or manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical).
• PMP or PE certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of project engineering including design, procurement, construction management, installation and qualification.
• Plan budgets, develop schedules, and coordinate resources to meet scope, schedule, budget and cash flow.
• Drive engineering KPIs: budget adherence, cash flow, startups, and project approvals.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance and other teams to optimize packaging and processing equipment.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical aptitude

Critical thinking

Reading engineering drawings

Process design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)

Professional Engineer Certification (PE)

Tools

CAD (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)

Job description

Job Title- Project Manager I (Engineering)

Location: Chattanooga, TN 37419

Duration: 12 Months Contract

Checklist

Minimum 5 years Project Management

Engineering degree (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical)

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)/ Professional Engineer Certification (preferred)

Proven track record developing and executing major, complex projects (greater than $1MM).

Engineering disciplines as well as plant operations and construction

Experience in Food or Pharma manufacturing (including consumer health, OTC) following FDA regulations is preferred

Experience with site utilities, such as chillers, boilers, air compressors is preferred

Experience with technical writing via establishing Work Instructions, SOPs, and OPLs

Mechanical aptitude & Critical Thinking Skills.

2D/3D CAD experience (AutoCAD or Solidworks) and drawing development.

Essential Functions

• Perform all aspects of project engineering including design, procurement, construction management, installation, and qualification.
• Plan, establish budgets, develop complex schedules and coordinate resources to ensure delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and cash flow for all projects.
• Drive results in Engineering metrics and own the following (KPIs): Budget Adherence %, Cash Flow Adherence %, Vertical Startup Adherence %, Critical Success Factor Adherence %, Projects Submitted, Projects Approved, CAPEX $ Spent vs Annual Budget.
• Site liaison and team participant for projects that are being executed by non site-based engineering resources.
• Champion Early Equipment Management (EEM) program including optimization, maintenance, retirement, and Startup Management (SUM).
• Develops cost estimates and conceptual designs for new products, line extensions, and packaging operations.
• Develop standards for equipment, systems, and engineering processes for assigned functional area and collaborate with other global technical teams.
• Works with Operations and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot, modify, and improve packaging and processing equipment.
• Collaborates with Department Managers to improve productivity through process changes, equipment replacement, or additional equipment.
• Champion Safety objectives; strive for zero incidents and supports a people-centered safety culture within the maintenance and engineering teams.
• Provide leadership and coaching to continuously improve the effectiveness of the technical function.
• Strict adherence to Company and OSHA safety requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory standards.
• Maintain compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Support reduction in environmental impacts across all sites, including energy savings and utility monitoring.
• Establish and maintain constant communication across all levels of the organization.

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical)
• Project Management Professional Certification
• Professional Engineer Certification

Related Experience/Requirements

• 5+ years of project management, process design, manufacturing, and contractor supervision.
• Must be well rounded with a solid grasp of many engineering disciplines as well as plant operations and construction.
• Proven track record developing and executing major, complex projects (?***MM).
• Experience with technical writing via establishing Work Instructions, SOPs, and OPLs
• Mechanical aptitude & Critical Thinking Skills.
• 2D/3D CAD experience (AutoCAD or Solidworks) and drawing development.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to connect with all levels of the organization.
• Expert planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Required Competencies: Drive for Results, Action Orientation, Command Skills, Functional/Technical Skills, Priority Setting, Planning, Managing and Measuring Work, Process Management, Problem Solving, Decision Quality, Customer Focus, Integrity and Trust, Listening, Peer Relationships, Directing Others, and Comfort Around Higher Management
• Experience in Food or Pharma manufacturing following FDA regulations is preferred.
• Experience with site utilities, such as chillers, boilers, air compressors, etc is preferred.