Process Engineer III/ IV- Small Molecule/ Oligo/ Peptide

CRB; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in St. Louis is seeking a skilled Process Engineer III/IV specializing in small molecule manufacturing to join its consulting team. This role involves leading client projects, conducting assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in process engineering and a strong understanding of chemical processes. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for growth within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of small molecule process engineering experience, preferably consulting.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis and purification processes.
• Experience with cGMP practices and regulatory documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead client projects in small molecule API process development.
• Conduct site assessments and gap analyses for process improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in project quality checks.

Skills

Process engineering knowledge

Communication skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process flow diagrams (PFDs)

Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

Job description

Process Engineer III/ IV - Small Molecule/ Oligo/ Peptide

CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. CRB is a privately held company with a history of serving clients worldwide, delivering technical knowledge, creativity and execution.

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Process Engineer III/ IV with deep expertise in small molecule manufacturing to join our engineering consulting team. This role combines technical leadership with strategic client engagement, supporting process design, scale-up, optimization, and regulatory compliance across pharmaceutical and chemical projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support client projects focused on small molecule API process development, scale-up, and manufacturing optimization.
• Conduct site assessments, gap analyses, and provide recommendations for process improvements and compliance.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Translate client requirements into actionable design scope and document decisions, open issues, and action items.
• Identify and escalate scope changes or design deviations to project leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including architecture, mechanical, electrical, and construction.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and client stakeholders.
• Support capital project planning including feasibility studies, equipment selection, and facility design.
• Ensure alignment with industry standards including cGMP, FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
• Participate in advanced project activities such as:
  • Technical bid tabulations
  • Vendor package management
  • Factory acceptance testing
  • Risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, HACCP)
  • 3D model reviews and coordination
  • Sequence of operations and functional specification reviews
• Mentor junior engineers and design staff.
• Lead system design programming and planning with support from senior engineers.
• Participate in cross-discipline squad checks and drive overall project quality.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline (ABET-accredited).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in small molecule process engineering, preferably in a consulting or client-facing role.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, purification, and formulation processes.
• Experience in design firm or operating company settings within a related industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate experience with applicable industry and regulatory guidance and building codes.
• Advanced technical knowledge and experience with small molecule API manufacturing equipment and utility systems, such as chemical reactors, filters, centrifuges, dryers, vacuum pumps, scrubbers, purified water, process compressed gases, and engineered heat transfer fluid systems.
• Experience designing and implementing engineering controls for containment of highly potent APIs.
• Experience with cGMP practices within regulated industries (FDA, EMA, JP, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT or PE certification.
• Experience coordinating and managing design within project teams and with external partners.
• Familiarity with commissioning, startup, qualification, and troubleshooting of process systems.
• Experience with regulatory environments and validation documentation.
• Prior experience in engineering consulting or client services.
• Familiarity with process safety, risk assessments, and HAZOP studies.
• Demonstrated experience leading a small team of process engineers on complex engineering design projects.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment is contingent on background screening. CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. If you cannot complete the application due to a disability, request an accommodation or an alternative application process.