Process Engineer II

Cambrex; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex is seeking a Process Engineer II in Charles City, Iowa, to lead and improve chemical manufacturing processes. Candidates will build upon their chemical engineering expertise, working independently and mentoring junior engineers through project leadership.

The role emphasizes process design, quality control, and documentation for critical manufacturing activities in a supportive environment. Applicants should hold a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and possess 3–7 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing environments is preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in chemical development or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Draft conceptual process design for chemical steps.
• Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
• Provide technical information to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead and participate in production campaigns.
• Develop process understanding and recommend improvements.
• Perform quality investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process improvement projects.
• Draft manufacturing documents.

Skills

Chemical engineering fundamentals

Data analysis and visualization

Process simulation and modeling tools

Process safety and risk management

Problem-solving ability

Technical writing and communication

Attention to detail

Project management and leadership

Education

B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

You Matter to Cambrex. Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid‑phase peptide synthesis, solid‑state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Job Overview

As a Process Engineer II, you will build on your chemical engineering experience while receiving mentorship from senior engineers and scientists. You will operate independently, contributing expertise across all stages of bringing new products from the laboratory to full‑scale batch manufacturing. You will gain hands‑on experience with reactions, distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, and will begin to lead small to moderate projects. The role offers pathways for career development, including opportunities to specialize in technical expertise, project leadership, or operations.

Responsibilities

• Draft the conceptual process design for individual chemical steps, including scaling calculations, equipment selection, and operating parameters.
• Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
• Provide technical information directly to external clients and internal stakeholders.
• Lead and participate in production campaigns for single chemical steps through planning, technical analysis, and in‑person observation.
• Develop process understanding and recommend improvements through process modelling and analysis of production and laboratory data.
• Perform quality investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.
• Draft manufacturing documents, including process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, and campaign reports.

Qualifications / Skills

• Strong foundation in chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport phenomena, kinetics, etc.).
• Data analysis and visualization skills to interpret data from sensors and experiments, identify trends, troubleshoot, and improve efficiency.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling tools, including spreadsheets, programming, and process simulators.
• Understanding of process safety and risk management practices.
• Knowledge of equipment capability for key processing equipment (reactors, filters, heat exchangers) and their suitability.
• Strong problem‑solving ability for complex chemical and plant‑operation challenges.
• Technical writing and communication skills to explain concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges.
• Project management, leadership, and mentoring experience; ability to manage assignments, meet deadlines, delegate, and support junior engineers.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in chemical development, chemical manufacturing, chemical engineering design, or the equivalent.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical chemical manufacturing environment is preferred.

EEO & Pre‑Employment Screening

Cambrex is an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.

All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen, which may include drug testing, criminal background checks, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and other components as required by law. Refusal to participate in the screening will result in disqualification.