Project Director- Engineering

Orchestra Life Sciences; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchestra Life Sciences in Philadelphia seeks a Project Director- Engineering to lead planning and execution of complex CAPEX programs for GMP-regulated facilities.

The role requires deep expertise in managing multi-site engineering and construction, with a focus on design integration, cost control, risk management, and client alignment across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, PM, construction management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience managing capital projects ($50M-$500M) in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or radiopharmaceutical sectors.
• Proven success leading multi-site, multi-phase CAPEX programs under GMP or regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of project controls, risk management, and integrated delivery methodologies (EPCM, IPD, Design-Build).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence senior leadership and external partners.
• Experience with cost modeling, earned value management, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to travel as required for client site oversight and partner coordination

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams to deliver complex CAPEX projects from concept to startup.
• Oversee full project lifecycle including feasibility, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Manage integrated project delivery (IPD) approaches, balancing scope, cost, and schedule performance.
• Establish and maintain governance structures, reporting frameworks, and project controls.
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring satisfaction, transparency, and alignment with business goals.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

GMP compliance

Cost tracking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Cost modeling software

Financial reporting tools

Earned value management (EVM)

Job description

Reports to: Vice President, Architectural and Design Engineering

Direct Reports: NA

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Role Summary

The Project Director- Engineering will lead the planning and execution of complex capital investment programs for advanced therapy and radiopharmaceutical facilities. This role requires deep expertise in managing large-scale engineering and construction programs-from concept through qualification-within GMP-regulated environments.

The Project Director will oversee multiple concurrent projects, providing leadership across project management, design coordination, cost control, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and internal teams, ensuring strategic alignment, financial discipline, and successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams to deliver complex CAPEX projects from concept to startup.
• Oversee full project lifecycle including feasibility, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Manage integrated project delivery (IPD) approaches, balancing scope, cost, and schedule performance.
• Establish and maintain governance structures, reporting frameworks, and project controls.
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring satisfaction, transparency, and alignment with business goals.

Strategic & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage capital expenditure plans, forecasts, and funding requests.
• Lead development of business cases, CERs, and cost models to support investment decisions.
• Implement standardized project management metrics, KPIs, and financial dashboards.
• Drive change control, risk mitigation, and value engineering initiatives.

Design & Construction Management

• Coordinate design development and integration across architecture, process, and engineering disciplines.
• Manage RFPs, vendor selection, and contracts for A/E firms, CM partners, and equipment suppliers.
• Oversee construction progress, change management, and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, and regulatory standards throughout project execution.
• Support commissioning and qualification planning, ensuring readiness for GMP operations.
• Lead and mentor internal project management and technical teams to build organizational capability.
• Contribute to the development of OLS's project delivery frameworks, tools, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across projects and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in managing capital projects ($50M-$500M range) in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or radiopharmaceutical sectors.
• Proven success leading multi-site, multi-phase CAPEX programs under GMP or regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of project controls, risk management, and integrated delivery methodologies (EPCM, IPD, Design-Build).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence senior leadership and external partners.
• Experience with cost modeling, earned value management, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to travel as required for client site oversight and partner coordination