Senior Process Engineer

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corp. in Charles City, IA, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead technical teams in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In this role, you will oversee complex multi-step projects, mentoring junior engineers while ensuring high-quality manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and 7-15 years of relevant experience, particularly in a pharmaceutical environment. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of new medicines.

Qualifications

• Complete understanding of core chemical engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to analyze data and improve efficiency.
• Advanced use of software to model chemical processes.
• Instinctively assess and manage risks in chemical processes.
• Propose equipment alternatives that optimize resource use.
• Lead discussions to solve complex chemical process problems.
• Explain technical concepts clearly to various audiences.
• Meticulously review work for accuracy and quality.
• Adapt to changing priorities and assist with change management.
• Manage projects, lead teams, and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-step, multi-year technical programs.
• Oversee conceptual process design for API programs.
• Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
• Identify and conduct process improvement projects.

Skills

Applied Math and Science

Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting

Process Simulation and Modeling

Process Safety and Risk Management

Process Scale-Up & Equipment Knowledge

Problem-Solving

Technical Writing & Communication

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Project Management, Leadership & Mentoring

Education

B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

7-15 years of experience in chemical development

Job description

Job Overview

As an expert in their field, the Senior Process Engineer leads technical teams responsible for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The senior engineer oversees multi‑step, multi‑year programs that define the cGMP manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They serve as an engineering expert, interface with internal leadership and external clients to solve complex technical problems and ensure high‑quality manufacturing.

In this role, you will serve as a senior member of our engineering team, taking a leading role in advancing the development and manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. You will guide large, multi‑year projects that bring complex new medicines from the laboratory to full‑scale batch manufacturing, while introducing innovative technologies that enhance our operations.

As a Senior Process Engineer, you will mentor and develop junior engineers, shape the next generation of talent, and prepare for senior leadership opportunities. You will collaborate with clients worldwide, tackle technical challenges across diverse processes and unit operations, and make a lasting impact on the success of both our company and the patients who depend on our work.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi‑step, multi‑year technical programs for the development of the manufacturing process for an API from the initial pilot batches to full commercialization.
• Oversee the conceptual process design for complete API programs including scaling calculations for unit operations, equipment selection, production planning, and determination of operating parameters.
• Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
• Operate as a subject‑matter expert for external clients and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
• Initiate improvements through ideation, process modelling and analysis of production and laboratory data.
• Lead complex quality investigations and corrective action/preventative action implementation.
• Identify, oversee, and conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.
• Coordinate the drafting of manufacturing documents: process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, campaign reports.
• Optional: Lead a team of 2‑5 engineers as direct reports, overseeing career development and project assignments.

Qualifications / Skills

• Applied Math and Science: complete understanding of core chemical engineering fundamentals and intuitive application to real‑world problems.
• Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting: ability to analyze data from various sources to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency.
• Process Simulation and Modeling: advanced use of software (spreadsheets, programming, simulators) to model chemical unit operations and processes.
• Process Safety and Risk Management: instinctively assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring safety of personnel and environment.
• Process Scale‑Up & Equipment Knowledge: assess equipment capability of key processing equipment and propose alternatives that align with business objectives and optimize resource use.
• Problem‑Solving: lead discussions and ideation to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes and plant operations.
• Technical Writing & Communication: explain technical concepts clearly and accurately to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Attention to Detail: meticulously review documents and work of others to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Adaptability: adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges; assist others with change management.
• Project Management, Leadership & Mentoring: manage assignments, delegate, support others, manage projects including timelines, resources, and budgets; lead teams and mentor junior engineers; ensure projects meet deadlines.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7‑15 years of experience in chemical development, chemical manufacturing, chemical engineering design, or equivalent.
• Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen. The pre‑employment screen may include drug testing, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.