Principal Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development

NURIX; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurix Therapeutics in Brisbane, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development Engineering to own hands‑on development, scale‑up, and tech transfer for small‑molecule drug products.

You will lead CDMO operations, ensure compliance with FDA/ICH, drive process validation and regulatory‑ready CMC sections, and mentor scientists in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering or related field with 8+ years industrial experience in late‑phase small‑molecule drug product development.
• Experience in GMP solid dose manufacturing (spray drying, tableting, encapsulation) and scale‑up.
• Extensive CDMO management experience including tech transfer, QBD/DOE, and regulatory batch production.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership for small‑molecule DP development and optimization for tech transfer to CDMOs and scale‑up.
• Lead equipment engineering and operations at CDMOs, including technology transfer, process validation, and batch production.
• Coordinate with QA, Chemical Development, and Global Supply Chain to ensure timely DP manufacture and release.
• Partner with Analytical Development & Quality Control to identify critical process parameters and control strategies.
• Ensure adherence to FDA, EMA, ICH, GMP and Nurix policies; support inspection readiness.
• Provide PIP support and monitor KPIs across sites and schedules.

Skills

GMP knowledge

CDMO management

QBD

DOE studies

Process development

Scale-up

Regulatory filings (CMC)

Strong communication

Team mentoring

Travel readiness

Education

PhD in chemical engineering

MS in chemical engineering (or related)

BS in chemical engineering (with 16 years)

Job description

Principal Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development

Brisbane, California

Principal Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development Engineering

Own the hands‑on engineering that turns a promising molecule into a manufacturable drug product — leading process development, scale‑up, and CDMO operations for Nurix's late‑stage clinical and commercial programs. This is a highly technical, high‑autonomy role with direct impact on getting real treatments to patients.

Position Description

The Opportunity

• Provide engineering leadership for small‑molecule drug product manufacturing process development and optimization to facilitate process transfer to CDMOs and scale‑up.
• Lead equipment engineering and operations at drug product CDMOs, including technology transfer, CTM production, process troubleshooting, QBD, DOEs and PAR studies, registration batch production, and process validation.
• Coordinate with CDMOs and Nurix QA, Chemical Development, and Global Supply Chain functions to ensure timely manufacture and release of DP lots.
• Partner with Nurix Chemical Development and Analytical Development & Quality Control to identify critical process parameters of associated equipment and facility, and overall control strategies.
• Ensure adherence to applicable regulations including FDA, EMA, ICH, GCP, GMP and Nurix policies and procedures.
• Provide Person‑In‑Plant support for drug product manufacturing and ongoing performance monitoring of key facility and operational KPIs across manufacturing sites, including schedule adherence, batch performance, deviation trends, and inspection readiness.
• Support operational execution related to equipment scheduling, manufacturing, and coordination, supporting both clinical and commercial production requirements.
• Write and review CMC sections of regulatory filings, including INDs, IND amendments, and NDAs.
• Ensure all equipment trains at CDMOs are properly qualified, maintained, and operating at optimal performance to support Nurix manufacturing operations.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to scientists and engineers.

What You’ll Bring

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering or a related field with at least 8 years (M.S. with 12 years, or B.S. with 16 years) of industrial, late‑phase, small‑molecule drug product development experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in GMP oral solid dose form manufacturing (spray drying, tableting, and encapsulation), characterization, process development, equipment evaluation/selection, scale‑up, and process validation.
• Extensive third‑party drug product CDMO management experience, including tech transfer activities, QBD and DOE studies, clinical supply production, registration batch production, and commercial launch activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of product/packaging interactions, barrier properties, stability, global pharmaceutical packaging regulations, and package testing.
• In‑depth knowledge of relevant cGMP, ICH, FDA, and EMA guidelines.
• Proven track record of effective internal and external collaboration.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to multi‑task, manage conflict, and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of time.

Salary Range: $195,300 - 222,900

The posted range applies to roles based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reflects local market conditions. Where an offer lands within that range depends on the candidate’s relevant experience, technical expertise, and how their background aligns with the role’s requirements.

Location: Onsite – Brisbane, CA

Fit with Nurix Culture and Values

• Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
• Solutions and results‑oriented focus
• Hands‑on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view

About Nurix Therapeutics

Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI‑integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix’s dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader‑based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine’s next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.