Sr. Engineering Project Manager

Bachem Holding AG; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid vacation, personal and sick days

Job summary

Bachem Americas is seeking a Sr. Engineering Project Manager to lead large‑scale production process implementations and equipment startups.

You will ensure training for engineers and operations staff to operate and troubleshoot new equipment, while aligning with global standards from Bachem Switzerland. The role requires managing GMP capital projects, leading cross‑functional teams, and maintaining project controls including schedules, budgets, and risk logs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Associate’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 15+ years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years pharm/biotech experience.
• Work experience in GMP-related capital projects.
• Knowledge of cGMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing methods and engineering principles.
• Technical knowledge of processes, equipment, and utilities (batch processing, tank, filtration, lyophilization, purified water systems etc.).
• Experience with peptides (preferred).
• PMP certification (preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively organize, multitask, and work in a fast‑paced, deadline driven work environment.
• Ability to lead engineering teams in project management practices and assist engineering manager in developing site‑wide procedures regarding managing capital projects.
• Ability to communicate in a proactive and solution‑focused manner, including keeping management aware of potential issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and negotiate with Bachem functional managers.
• Communicate effectively and ability to function well in a team environment.
• Plan projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to maintain a live‑up‑to‑date risk register, schedule, budget and issues log related to program/project activity.

Responsibilities

• Transfer Bachem proprietary manufacturing technology from Bachem Switzerland to Bachem America.
• Leverage engineering design principles and large‑scale production technologies used in Bachem Switzerland to guide equipment implementation and ensure alignment with global standards.
• Implement and build manufacturing infrastructure to mirror Bachem Switzerland utilizing experience gained in Bachem to maximize capabilities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams (Quality, Production, Facilities, Engineering) within a matrix environment.
• Oversee CapEx projects for new GMP laboratories and equipment (AHU, dehumidifiers, chillers, etc.), cleanrooms and lyophilizers, as well as controls and automation associated with these activities.
• Develop and train employees on the utilization of maintenance schedules for new equipment.
• Support the Engineering Director on capital projects for facility remodeling and expansion.
• Perform activities associated with the design and qualifications of the new and existing equipment used in a manufacturing plant.
• Create new process and equipment drawings based on specifications and standards.
• Act as the lead project manager for the design and construction of new plant expansions and plant‑related capital projects.
• Work with other departments, contractors, and vendors.
• Perform process development studies for new and existing projects. Write summary reports to support the process development data. Write standard operation procedures, standard test procedures, master batch records and other related GMP documents.

Job description

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Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. With over 50 years of experience and expertise Bachem provides products for research, clinical development and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com .

A brief overview

The Sr. Engineering Project Manager leads the implementation of large‑scale production processes and equipment at Bachem, applying best‑practice project management methodologies to capital projects. This role oversees system start‑up activities and ensures that engineers and operations staff are fully trained to operate and troubleshoot new equipment effectively.

What you will do

• Transfer Bachem proprietary manufacturing technology from Bachem Switzerland to Bachem America.
• Leverage engineering design principles and large‑scale production technologies used in Bachem Switzerland to guide equipment implementation and ensure alignment with global standards.
• Implement and build manufacturing infrastructure to mirror Bachem Switzerland utilizing experience gained in Bachem to maximize capabilities
• Lead cross‑functional teams (Quality, Production, Facilities, Engineering) within a matrix environment
• Oversee CapEx projects for new GMP laboratories and equipment (AHU, dehumidifiers, chillers, etc.), cleanrooms and lyophilizers, as well as controls and automation associated with these activities
• Develop and train employees on the utilization of maintenance schedules for new equipment
• Support the Engineering Director on capital projects for facility remodeling and expansion
• Perform activities associated with the design and qualifications of the new and existing equipment used in a manufacturing plant
• Create new process and equipment drawings based on specifications and standards
• Act as the lead project manager for the design and construction of new plant expansions and plat-related capital projects
• Work with other departments, contractors, and vendors
• Perform process development studies for new and existing projects. Write summary reports to support the process development data. Write standard operation procedures, standard test procedures, master batch records and other related GMP documents

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 5+ years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 10+ years of relevant work experience
• Associate’s degree in engineering, science, business or related field with 15+ years of relevant work experience
• Minimum of 8 years pharm/biotech experience
• Work experience in GMP-related capital projects
• Knowledge of cGMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing methods and engineering principles
• Technical knowledge of processes, equipment, and utilities (batch processing, tank, filtration, lyophilization, purified water systems etc.)
• Experience with peptides (preferred)
• General lab instrument (GC, FTIR, NMR and KF) knowledge and operation experience (preferred)
• PMP certification (preferred)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to effectively organize, multitask, and work in a fast‑paced, deadline driven work environment
• Ability to lead engineering teams in project management practices and assist engineering manager in developing site‑wide procedures regarding managing capital projects
• Ability to communicate in a proactive and solution‑focused manner, including keeping management aware of potential issues
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and negotiate with Bachem functional managers
• Communicate effectively and ability to function well in a team environment
• Plan projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to maintain a live‑up‑to‑date risk register, schedule, budget and issues log related to program/project activity.

Base salary range: $126,317 - $173,686

Placement of new hires in this wage range is based on several factors including education, skill sets, experience, and training.

Total Rewards

We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees’ environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.

Bachem Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the diversity of our team and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where individuals are hired and advanced based on merit, skills, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

At Bachem, you’ll find a diverse, multicultural team. The (a)in the job title stands for all. We welcome applications from all candidates. What matters are your skills and motivation—regardless of age, gender, background, religion, or sexual orientation.