Principal Project Manager, Engineering

Scorpion Therapeutics; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 139,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Capital Engineering Manager to lead capital projects across pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. You will drive scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and change control while partnering with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include directing contractors, supporting facility upgrades, and advancing capital investment initiatives with a strong emphasis on GMP compliance and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a technical engineering discipline.
• Extensive capital project management experience in pharma/biopharma manufacturing.
• Strong GMP and regulated manufacturing operations knowledge.
• FDA regulations and quality systems understanding essential.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital engineering projects from initiation through closeout, delivering on time and within budget.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and change controls.
• Serve as primary stakeholder contact; build partnerships across business and technical teams.
• Direct contractors, vendors, and cross-functional project teams; ensure projects are delivered safely and efficiently.
• Support site master planning, facility assessments, and strategic capital investment initiatives.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing projects.
• Mentor project managers; contribute to development of project management best practices.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Technical writing

Communication

Leadership

Risk management

Process improvement

FDA regulations understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead capital engineering projects from initiation through closeout, delivering on time and within budget.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and change controls.
• Serve as primary stakeholder contact; build partnerships across business and technical teams.
• Direct contractors, vendors, and cross-functional project teams; ensure projects are delivered safely and efficiently.
• Support site master planning, facility assessments, and strategic capital investment initiatives.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing projects.
• Mentor project managers; contribute to development of project management best practices.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience managing capital projects in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulated manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting cell culture, recovery, purification, or aseptic manufacturing processes.
• Proven expertise in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and change control.
• Experience leading facility upgrades, renovations, process improvements, or capital investment projects.
• Strong understanding of FDA regulations and quality systems.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical writing skills.

Compensation & Benefits (highlights):

• Expected salary range: $138,600-245,700 annually.
• Performance-based cash incentive; possible eligibility for annual equity awards (based on level).
• Comprehensive US benefits package and time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves).