Project Manager / WPO Equipment Manager

Process Automation – Controls.Instruments.Validations, Inc.; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PACIV, a global leader in industrial automation solutions for the Life Sciences sector, seeks a PM / WPO Equipment Manager to oversee planning, delivery, installation, and turnover of major equipment packages for pharmaceutical capital projects.

This role combines project management and field execution responsibilities, ensuring equipment is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with GMP and project quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years in pharma/biotech capital projects with major equipment packages.
• Experience FAT/SAT, design reviews, and field installation on large projects.
• Knowledge of GMP, validation practices, and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage equipment packages from design through FAT, FAT, SAT and turnover.
• Coordinate scope, budget, schedule, and vendor performance across lifecycle.
• Lead field execution of installation with contractors, vendors, and management.
• Support design reviews, FAT/SAT, JHAs, and site safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and project quality standards, ASME BPE where applicable.
• Manage RFIs, vendor changes, warranties, and spare parts.

Skills

Project management

Vendor management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Safety program leadership

GMP knowledge

Field execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

BIM

MS Project

AutoCAD / CAD tools

Job description

PACIV, a global leader in industrial automation solutions servicing the Life Sciences sector, is seeking a PM / WPO Equipment Manager to oversee the planning, delivery, installation, and turnover of major equipment packages for pharmaceutical capital projects. This role combines project management and field execution responsibilities, ensuring equipment is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with GMP and project quality standards. The position partners with design teams, vendors, contractors, and construction management from equipment design through Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q).

Position Responsibilities / Essential Functions:

• Manage equipment packages through design, procurement, delivery, installation, testing, and turnover to C&Q.
• Coordinate scope, budget, schedule, and vendor performance throughout the equipment lifecycle.
• Support vendor design reviews, hold-point inspections, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Coordinate equipment integration with design, BIM, logistics, procurement, and construction teams.
• Oversee equipment delivery, storage, rigging, installation, and protection during construction.
• Lead field execution of equipment installation activities alongside contractors, vendors, and construction management.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices through pre-task planning, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and field safety programs.
• Manage RFIs, field changes, design clarifications, vendor change orders, warranties, and spare parts.
• Monitor installation progress, productivity, and project performance while providing regular status updates.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements, project quality standards, and applicable industry codes, including ASME BPE and 3-A where applicable.
• Support successful system turnover to Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q).

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology capital project experience.
• Minimum of 5 years managing major equipment packages from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) through Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Experience managing equipment installation and field execution activities on large capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of vendor management, contract administration, and equipment lifecycle management.
• Working knowledge of GMP regulations, validation practices, and applicable industry standards.
• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent field safety experience preferred.
• English required; Spanish preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience serving as an Owner's Representative on pharmaceutical capital projects.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with one or more of the following equipment disciplines:
  • Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
  • Sterile Drug Delivery (SDD) or aseptic processing equipment
  • Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) manufacturing equipment
  • Process skids, utility skids, laboratory, warehouse, or other major vendor equipment packages
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule objectives.