Senior Project Engineer

Actalent; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to drive transformation of warehouse and intralogistics operations, shifting from manual to automated systems in a GMP-regulated environment.

The role requires leading PFMEA, Lean initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Automation, and Quality to ensure successful implementation and adoption of new processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience leading PFMEA and risk management in operations.
• Strong Lean and value stream mapping experience.
• Background in regulated environments (pharma, biotech, medical devices).
• Project management skills with cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead PFMEA activities and risk management for warehouse/intralogistics.
• Drive process improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste.
• Partner with automation/operations teams to implement new technologies.
• Develop value stream maps and SOPs for new processes.
• Manage project timelines and report progress to leadership.

Skills

PFMEA

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Mapping

Project Management

GMP Compliance

Automation

Change Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AMHS

Job description

Job Title: Senior Project EngineerJob Description

This Senior Project Engineer role supports a large-scale transformation of warehouse and intralogistics operations, transitioning material handling, storage, and warehouse processes from a largely manual environment to a highly automated, state-of-the-art system. The position serves as a key technical and process improvement leader, driving risk assessments, process optimization, value stream mapping, and cross-functional project execution to ensure successful implementation and adoption of automated warehouse technologies and workflows. The engineer will collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Automation, Quality, Training, and Supply Chain teams to identify improvement opportunities, mitigate risks, and embed new processes within a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the transition from manual warehouse operations to automated material handling and intralogistics systems, ensuring a smooth and effective transformation.

• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing operational waste, and improving material flow throughout warehouse operations.

• Partner with automation, engineering, and operations teams to optimize warehouse processes and support the implementation and integration of new automation technologies.

• Evaluate current-state workflows and identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational performance.

• Lead and facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities related to warehouse and intralogistics operations.

• Identify operational risks associated with both current and future-state processes and develop strategies to address those risks.

• Coordinate cross-functional discussions with subject matter experts to prioritize risks and determine effective mitigation strategies.

• Track risk reduction actions and ensure effective implementation of corrective and preventive measures.

• Develop and maintain value stream maps for warehouse and material movement processes to visualize and improve end-to-end flows.

• Analyze process flows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and non-value-added activities, and propose practical solutions.

• Drive Lean initiatives focused on eliminating waste, improving resource utilization, and supporting readiness for automation.

• Utilize data-driven methodologies to improve operational performance from both equipment and workforce perspectives.

• Collaborate with Training, Quality, and Operations teams to update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and operational documentation as new processes are implemented.

• Support training development and process adoption efforts to ensure sustainable operational improvements and effective change management.

• Assist in developing future-state operating models that align with automated warehouse capabilities and business objectives.

• Coordinate meetings and working sessions with Operations, Engineering, Automation, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain stakeholders to drive project progress.

• Drive project timelines, action items, and follow-up activities to support successful implementation of warehouse transformation initiatives.

• Present project updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience leading PFMEA activities and risk management initiatives within operational or manufacturing environments.

• Strong experience with value stream mapping and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.

• Experience supporting warehouse operations, intralogistics, material handling, or automation projects.

• Experience working in a regulated environment such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or similar industries.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and monitor complex cross-functional initiatives.

• Effective facilitation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate diverse teams and drive alignment.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational change in support of new processes and technologies.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and working in compliance-focused environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is preferred and demonstrates advanced capability in process improvement and statistical analysis.

• Experience with warehouse automation systems and automated material handling systems (AMHS).

• Hands-on exposure to intralogistics operations and automated material flow solutions.

• Practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles in warehouse or production settings.

• Strong background in PFMEA and risk assessments for operational and technical processes.

• Experience in value stream mapping for complex material movement and warehouse processes.

• Experience in SOP development, documentation updates, and implementation of new operational procedures.

• Experience in change management and process adoption, including training and communication activities.

• background in regulated manufacturing environments, particularly pharmaceutical operations, is highly beneficial.

• Previous GMP experience in a regulated environment is preferred.

Work Environment

This role is based on site in Clayton, North Carolina, working standard business hours within a regulated pharmaceutical environment. The position supports one of the largest pharmaceutical capital expenditure projects in the region, contributing to the transition from a manual warehouse to a fully automated, state-of-the-art system. The work environment is highly collaborative, with regular interaction across Operations, Engineering, Automation, Maintenance, Quality, Training, and Supply Chain teams. You will work in a setting that emphasizes compliance with GMP standards, continuous improvement, and the integration of advanced automation technologies, offering a dynamic atmosphere and the opportunity to influence the design and performance of cutting-edge warehouse operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Clayton, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Clayton,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.