Sr. Engineering Project Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid vacation, personal and sick days

Job summary

Bachem America seeks a Sr. Engineering Project Manager to lead the implementation of large-scale production processes and equipment, applying best-practice project management to capital projects.

This role oversees system start-up activities and ensures that engineers and operations staff are trained to operate and troubleshoot new equipment effectively. You will transfer proprietary manufacturing technology from Switzerland to America, guide equipment implementation to align with global

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant work experience with a Master’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree holders require 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Associate’s degree holders require 15+ years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years pharm/biotech 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).
• PMP certification (preferred).
• Strong MS Suite skills, particularly MS Project, SharePoint, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lead engineering teams and manage capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Transfer Bachem proprietary manufacturing technology from Bachem Switzerland to Bachem America.
• Guide equipment implementation and align with global standards.
• Build manufacturing infrastructure mirroring Bachem Switzerland.
• Lead cross-functional teams (Quality, Production, Facilities, Engineering).
• Oversee CapEx projects for GMP laboratories and equipment including AHU, dehumidifiers, chillers, cleanrooms, lyophilizers, and controls.
• Develop and train staff on maintenance schedules for new equipment.
• Support Engineering Director on facility remodeling and expansion projects.
• Design and qualification activities for new and existing equipment.
• Create process and equipment drawings based on specs and standards.
• Lead design and construction of plant expansions and related capital projects.
• Coordinate with departments, contractors, and vendors.
• Perform process development studies and write GMP documents (SOPs, STPs, MBRs).

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master’s degree in engineering/science/business

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/business

Associate’s degree in engineering/science/business

Tools

MS Project

SharePoint

Job description

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.

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)
• Strong MS Suite skills, particularly MS Project, Sharepoint, etc.
• 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.