Senior Principal Engineer, Pharma Process Innovation

AbbVie Inc.; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a seasoned engineering leader to drive site-level processes and optimization within our pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. You will define operating ranges, validate processes, and guide cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality outputs throughout the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, and clear communication with management layers, delivering robust technical decisions and documented results across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) is required to provide technical expertise.
• 8+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry formulation.
• Knowledge of Engineering standards.
• Demonstrated leadership and team building skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proven track record of managing projects through to completion.
• Excellent communication skills with layers of management.

Responsibilities

• Leads technical workstreams and contributes to program outcomes by developing actionable methods and analyses.
• Collaborating with cross-functional partners to integrate technical solutions throughout the lifecycle.
• Advising on complex technical decisions and risks.
• Designs site-level processes and improvements by defining operating ranges, critical parameters, and acceptance criteria.
• Leads process improvement and optimization workstreams, coordinating trial execution and documenting results.
• Conducts process validation and troubleshooting for manufacturing processes by analyzing performance data and drafting corrective actions.
• Establishes technical standards for process documentation and change execution.
• Guides engineers through technical decisions and tracks actions to closure.
• Delivers high-quality technical outputs for complex projects and programs, communicates progress and mitigations to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

AbbVie is seeking a seasoned engineering leader to drive site-level processes and optimization within our pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. You will define operating ranges, validate processes, and guide cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality outputs throughout the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, and clear communication with management layers, delivering robust technical decisions and documented results across projects.