Sr. MSAT Development Engineer

Corden Pharma - A Full-Service CDMO; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Insurance PPO/HSA

Wellness Program

Vacation - Three Weeks 1st Year

Job summary

Corden Pharma Colorado (CPC) seeks a Sr. MSAT Development Engineer to lead technical efforts for commercial processes, improve robustness, safety, and cost. The role covers lab-to-plant scale-up, troubleshooting, and implementing new technologies across peptides, small molecules, and APIs.

You will contribute to project data for budgeting, perform root cause analyses, and drive process analytics technology (PAT) to strengthen control strategies within a cGMP framework.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering with Master’s or Ph.D. preferred; 5 years in process engineering or process chemistry in pharma/fine chemicals.
• Experience with scale-up engineering, PAT, and process transfer is valued.
• Familiarity with cGMP and regulatory expectations is required.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead/SME during lab or plant operations for technology transfer and implementation.
• Provide day-to-day support to manufacturing and process development; troubleshoot and improve processes.
• Develop scalable process improvements and document results for budgeting and transfer.
• Perform root cause analysis of process-related issues and define corrective actions.
• Lead or support PAT strategies to enhance process understanding and control.

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering; Masters or PhD preferred

5 years of demonstrated success in Process Engineering or Process Chemistry in Pharma/Fine Chemicals

Tools

LabVantage LIMS

SAP

Job description

CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DPs), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives.

Our network, spanning Europe and the U.S., provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being.

Our People Vision

We strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives.

Summary

The Sr. MSAT Development Engineer provides technical leadership and documentation support for commercial manufacturing processes. Strategically develops, troubleshoots, and implements improvements to commercial or near-commercial processes; including engineering, chemistry, and technology that significantly improve the environment, safety, compliance, robustness, efficiency, schedule adherence, and cost aspects of manufacturing. Works within a team-oriented environment with professionals from a variety of disciplines. Conducts research, experimentation, and documentation for such purposes as process troubleshooting, new technology implementation, and process improvements. Process improvements can include raw material studies, robustness improvement, throughput improvement, waste stream reduction, process analytical technology (PAT) implementation, etc. Responsible for the equipment sizing, scale-up engineering, and execution of multi-step syntheses from laboratory to plant scale campaigns. Emphasis is on the creative application of a full range of practical and theoretical concepts toward the design and implementation of cost-effective processes and improvements for the manufacture of Corden pharmaceuticals.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Acts as a technical lead/SME providing technical expertise and support during lab or plant operations, including the development, transfer, or implementation of technology at a lab or plant scale
• Provides day-to-day support to manufacturing and process development, at times requiring attention outside of normal work hours. Support includes troubleshooting and continuous improvement of processes, as well as participation in change control, deviations, and investigations to ensure schedule adherence.
• Establishes and maintains strong, transparent, and effective day-to-day working relationships between Manufacturing, R&D, internal support, regulatory groups, and CPC customers related to assigned duties
• Develops and supports scalable process improvements and provides technical expertise and support during lab and plant operations.
• Ensures process improvements are capable of meeting defined cost, yield, throughput, quality, and safety expectations on assigned processes
• Responsible for supplying management with specific project data to facilitate the budgeting process for the transfer or implementation of technology. Works to identify trends and other improvement opportunities.
• Conducts root cause analysis for process-related failures; and identify correct corrective and preventative actions from their own investigation
• Implements, troubleshoots, and helps to maintain process analytical technology (PAT) in operations. Provides technical leadership in identifying and deploying PAT strategies that enhance process understanding, strengthen control strategies, and improve manufacturing performance.

Leadership & Budget Responsibilities

Demonstrates a positive attitude. Supports a positive, healthy, and flexible work environment that encourages employees and coworkers to develop their full potential and expand their horizons. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Provides technical expertise to manufacturing.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

Every individual is personally responsible for the safety and environmental aspects of his or her activities in the workplace. Each employee is expected to perform their job duties in a safe manner utilizing all their knowledge, training, ability, and experience.

Quality Responsibilities

Corden Pharma Colorado (CPC) is a manufacturer of a variety of pharmaceutical products. In following Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Corden Pharma Colorado manufactures in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Council for Harmonisation Q7 (ICH), and other global regulations as applicable. This is critical as it is our mission to not place patients at risk due to inadequate safety, quality, or efficacy. CPC’s Quality Management System, which incorporates cGMP, is designed to deliver this quality objective. Attainment is produced through the requisite participation and commitment of all staff across departments and at all levels within the company.

cGMP is the part of Quality Management System ensuring products are consistently produced to accurate quality standards. Adherence to clearly defined procedures, in compliance with the principles of cGMP, is required when performing operations across Corden Pharma Colorado.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

A BS in Chemical Engineering and/or Chemistry with Master’s or Ph.D. degree preferred and 5 years of demonstrated success in Process Engineering or Process Chemistry in a Pharmaceutical or Fine Chemicals Manufacturing environment; or equivalent combination of education and demonstrated success, preferably specializing in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and analytical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, and quadratic and exponential equations. The ability to select and perform engineering correlation calculations in support of scale-up (and scale-down) of processes. Familiarity with statistical design of experiments and process control.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to work with hands; reach above shoulder height; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and low levels of toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates a positive attitude, strong technical curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Applies chemical engineering fundamentals and a strong understanding of engineering, chemistry, quality, safety, and manufacturing principles.
• Utilizes statistical tools, including Design of Experiments (DOE), to support process development, optimization, troubleshooting, and data-driven decision making.
• Independently designs and executes laboratory studies, generating high-quality data to support process development and manufacturing investigations.
• Demonstrates expertise in process development, scale-up, optimization, technology transfer, and troubleshooting of chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Experienced in the application of Process Analytical Technology (PAT), including UV/Vis, Raman, ReactIR, FBRM, PVM, EasyViewer, turbidity, and other advanced process monitoring tools.
• Working knowledge of crystallization, precipitation, thermal hazard assessment, calorimetry, and solid-state characterization techniques (XRPD, DSC/TGA, microscopy, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with chemical reactions, distillation, filtration, drying, purification, and other unit operations relevant to API and peptide manufacturing.
• Broad understanding of chemical reactivity, process hazards, exothermic reactions, impurity formation, waste streams, and process safety considerations.
• Experience supporting the development and manufacturing of peptides, small molecules, and highly potent compounds, with emphasis on peptide processes.
• Maintains accurate laboratory documentation and prepares technical reports, development reports, and manufacturing campaign summaries.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of technical and operational requirements needed to establish robust, scalable, and commercially viable manufacturing processes.
• Identifies, leads, and implements process improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Proactively identifies and resolves technical challenges using scientific and engineering principles.
• Effectively communicates technical information to cross-functional teams, management, and stakeholders through clear written and verbal communication.
• Provides technical leadership and expertise in process development, technology transfer, process monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Influences decisions and drives alignment across multidisciplinary teams through collaboration, negotiation, and technical leadership.
• Contributes to departmental objectives and site strategy through goal setting, project leadership, and technical decision-making.
• Understands business objectives and aligns technical priorities with operational and organizational goals.
• Maintains a strong working knowledge of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements, including FDA, cGMP, OSHA, EPA, PSM, and QSHE standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, statistical analysis software, LIMS (e.g., LabVantage), SAP, and other business and laboratory systems.

SALARY

Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching - Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6% - 100% vested after 2 years of service
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance PPO/HSA
• Hospital Indemnity Plan
• ID Theft Protection
• Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Vacation - Three Weeks 1st Year
• Vision Insurance

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Corden Pharma provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Corden Pharma embraces fair hiring practices.

This post will expire September 22, 2026