Process Engineer II

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Life insurance

Retirement planning

Job summary

Cambrex Corp. is looking for a Process Engineer II in Charles City, Iowa, to leverage chemical engineering expertise while collaborating with pharmaceutical clients internationally. This role offers a clear path for career development, supporting new product manufacturing and contributing to process improvements.

Responsibilities include drafting process designs, conducting safety reviews, and leading production campaigns. Candidates must hold a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, with 3-7 years of relevant experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical environment.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in chemical development, manufacturing, or design.
• Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft conceptual process designs and scaling calculations.
• Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
• Provide technical information to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead production campaigns through planning and observation.
• Conduct process improvement projects and quality investigations.

Skills

Chemical engineering fundamentals

Data analysis and visualization

Process simulation and modeling

Process safety and risk management

Problem-solving

Technical writing and communication

Project management

Education

B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Company Information

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 a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid‑phase peptide synthesis, solid‑state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast‑paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer‑focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

Job Overview

As a Process Engineer II, you’ll build on your chemical engineering experience while continuing to receive mentorship from senior engineers and scientists who support your professional growth. In this role, you’ll operate with increasing independence, contributing your expertise across all stages of bringing new products from the laboratory to full‑scale batch manufacturing. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with diverse processes and unit operations such as reactions, distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate projects.

As part of a global contract development and manufacturing organization, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate directly with pharmaceutical clients worldwide and to work on multiple processes each year. This position offers clear pathways for career development, whether you choose to specialize in technical expertise, project leadership, or operations. Over time, you’ll have opportunities to advance into roles as a subject‑matter expert, project manager, or operations leader — making a lasting impact on both the industry and patients worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Draft the conceptual process design for individual chemical steps including scaling calculations for unit operations, equipment selection, and determination of 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 the analysis of production and laboratory data.
• Perform quality investigations and corrective action / preventative action implementation.
• Conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.
• Draft manufacturing documents: process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, campaign reports.

Qualifications/Skills

• Applied Math and Science: A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.).
• Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting: The ability to analyze data from various sources, including sensors and experiments, to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency.
• Process Simulation and Modeling: Use of software (spreadsheets, programming, simulators) to model chemical unit operations and processes.
• Process Safety and Risk Management: Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.
• Process Scale Up & Equipment knowledge: Assess equipment capability of key processing equipment (reactors, filters, heat exchangers) with respect to process fit.
• Problem‑Solving: Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes and plant operations. Includes investigations.
• Technical Writing & Communication: The ability to explain technical concepts clearly and accurately to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Be meticulous and pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality. Review documents and the work of others.
• Adaptability: Adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges is important.
• Project Management, Leadership, & Mentoring: Manage one’s own assignments, meet assigned deadlines, delegate, and support others. Assist and train junior engineers.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

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

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen. The pre‑employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation 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/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.