Senior Process Engineer- Molecule, Oligo, Peptide

CRB; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CRB seeks a Senior Process Engineer with deep expertise in small molecule manufacturing to join its engineering consulting team. This role supports process design, scale-up, optimization, and regulatory alignment across pharmaceutical projects.

You will lead scope with projects, mentor staff, and coordinate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with cGMP, FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines, while communicating with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• 5+ years in small molecule process engineering, consulting or client-facing.
• Strong knowledge of synthesis, purification, and formulation processes.
• Experience with design firm or operating company settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with cGMP and regulatory guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of small molecule API process development and scale-up.
• Perform site assessments, gap analyses and recommend improvements.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Translate client requirements into actionable design scope and document decisions.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Support capital project planning and regulatory alignment.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Regulatory knowledge

Client-facing

Education

ABET-accredited Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

PFDs & P&IDs

Mass/energy balances

Process simulation

Job description

Position: Senior Process Engineer- Small Molecule/ Oligo/ Peptide

Senior Process Engineer

• Small Molecule/ Oligo/ Peptide

Full-time

CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Process Engineer III/ IV or V with deep expertise in small molecule manufacturing to join our engineering consulting team. This role combines technical leadership with strategic client engagement, supporting process design, scale-up, optimization, and regulatory compliance across a variety of pharmaceutical and chemical industry projects.

The Process Engineer III will lead the design and execution of process scopes

• such as unit operations, systems, or facility areas
• on small to medium-sized projects. You will manage scope, budget, and schedule, while maintaining clear communication with clients and internal teams. This role also includes mentoring junior staff, contributing to high-quality deliverables, and supporting capital project planning and regulatory alignment.

This position can be based near any CRB location, remote option will be considered

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support client projects focused on small molecule API process development, scale-up, and manufacturing optimization.
• Conduct site assessments, gap analyses, and provide recommendations for process improvements and compliance.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Translate client requirements into actionable design scope and document decisions, open issues, and action items.
• Identify and escalation scope changes or design deviations to project leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including architecture, mechanical, electrical, and construction.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and client stakeholders.
• Support capital project planning including feasibility studies, equipment selection, and facility design.
• Ensure alignment with industry standards including cGMP, FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
• Participate in advanced project activities such as:
  • Technical bid tabulations
  • Vendor package management
  • Factory acceptance testing
  • Risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, HACCP)
  • 3D model reviews and coordination
  • Sequence of operations and functional specification reviews
• Mentor junior engineers and design staff.
• Lead system design programming and planning with support from senior engineers.
• Participate in cross-discipline squad checks and drive overall project quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline (ABET-accredited).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in small molecule process engineering, preferably in a consulting or client-facing role.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, purification, and formulation processes.
• Experience in design firm or operating company settings within a related industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate experience with applicable industry and regulatory guidance and building codes.
• Advanced technical knowledge and experience with small molecule API manufacturing equipment and utility systems, such as chemical reactors, filters, centrifuges, dryers, vacuum pumps, scrubbers, purified water, process compressed gases, and engineered heat transfer fluid systems.
• Experience designing and implementing engineering…