Senior Equipment Engineer - Pilot Plant : 26-03187

Akraya, Inc.; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Akraya, Inc. is seeking an onsite Bioprocess Equipment Engineer in Thousand Oaks, CA to support day-to-day operations of pilot plant equipment, focusing on reliability, performance, and lifecycle management.

You will troubleshoot bioprocess systems, collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Process Development, and drive improvements using data and digital tools. This non-GMP pilot plant role emphasizes root cause analysis, preventive maintenance coordination, and the integration of new

Qualifications

• Independent diagnosis of equipment issues; identify root causes; implement corrective actions; verify resolution.
• Manage equipment performance, coordinate maintenance, identify risks, drive reliability using data.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering; regulated industries experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support and troubleshoot bioprocess equipment (bioreactors, chromatography skids, TFF/UF/DF, single-use and stainless systems).
• Lead or support root-cause investigations; implement corrective actions; improve reliability using data and SPC.
• Support preventive maintenance and asset lifecycle planning using Maximo or CMMS.
• Assist design, commissioning, startup, and integration of new/modified systems with cross-functional teams.
• Lead or support improvement projects; apply digital tools/AI to improve troubleshooting and reliability.

Skills

Equipment Troubleshooting

Root Cause Analysis

Equipment reliability

Bioprocess equipment

Preventive maintenance

CMMS/Maximo

Job description

Primary Skills

• Equipment Troubleshooting (advanced)


• Root Cause Analysis (advanced)


• Process equipment reliability and lifecycle management (advanced)


• Bioprocess equipment (advanced)


• Preventive maintenance and asset management (intermediate)


• CMMS or Maximo (intermediate)

Contract Type: W2 Contract Duration: 12+ Months Location: Thousand Oaks, CA (Onsite) Pay Range: $40.00 - $45.00 Per Hour

Job Summary

This role focuses on day-to-day onsite engineering support for pilot plant bioprocess equipment, ensuring equipment reliability, performance, and lifecycle management. The role focuses on troubleshooting equipment issues, conducting root cause analysis, coordinating maintenance activities, and implementing reliability improvements using equipment history and performance data. The engineer collaborates with Operations, Maintenance, Instrumentation, Facilities, and Process Development to support equipment changes, new system integration, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position also identifies opportunities to leverage digital tools and AI to improve troubleshooting efficiency, maintenance planning, and engineering workflows. This is a non-GMP pilot plant role and does not involve directly operating equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support and troubleshoot bioprocess equipment, including bioreactors, chromatography skids, TFF/UF/DF systems, and single-use and stainless‑steel systems.


• Lead or support root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and drive equipment reliability improvements using equipment history, trend analysis, and statistical methods such as SPC.


• Support preventive maintenance, asset lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and maintenance planning using Maximo or other CMMS platforms.


• Support equipment design, commissioning, startup, and integration of new or modified systems while coordinating with Operations, Maintenance, Instrumentation, Facilities, and Process Development.


• Lead or support engineering improvement projects and identify opportunities to apply digital tools and AI workflows to enhance troubleshooting, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Must-Have Skills

• Equipment Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis: Ability to independently diagnose equipment issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify resolution.


• Equipment Reliability and System Ownership: Experience managing equipment performance, coordinating maintenance, identifying risks, and driving reliability improvements using data and equipment history.


• Cross‑Functional Communication and Engineering Support: Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, and engineering teams, supported by relevant engineering education or equivalent experience. This role requires experience within the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, food, or other regulated industries.