Sr Process Engineer – Clean Utilities

Salas O'Brien; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Salas O’Brien is seeking a Sr Process Engineer – Clean Utilities to lead and progress client projects in Raleigh, NC, focusing on clean utilities systems within cGMP facilities. You will oversee design through start-up, drafting URS, data sheets, and test plans while reducing costs and improving quality.

The role requires 3–10 years in pharma or high-purity utilities, with a bachelor’s in engineering and hands-on experience in RO/WFI/clean steam.

Qualifications

• Direct hands-on experience with Clean Utilities Systems (RO/WFI/Clean Steam/Process Gases).
• Process equipment sizing and specification for supporting utilities.
• Understanding of P&IDs and PFDs and energy balances.
• Proficient knowledge of cGMPs and compendial requirements for clean utilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead clean utilities initiatives across project phases from concept to testing.
• Collaborate with internal and client teams to meet requirements efficiently.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and test plans.
• Communicate effectively with customers, contractors, and project teams.
• Foster innovative solutions and drive projects forward.

Skills

Clean Utilities experience

Process equipment sizing

P&IDs and PFDs

CGMP knowledge

Engineering tools & software

Adaptability

Initiative

FE/PE certification (nice to have)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical/Mechanical)

Tools

Software platforms

Job description

Sr Process Engineer – Clean Utilities At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we are committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Job Details

Description

Sr Process Engineer – Clean Utilities At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we are committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day. We’re currently accepting applications for Process Engineer candidates to be considered for future projects.

Job Summary

The Process Engineer - Clean Utilities will serve as an owner’s representative to lead and progress client projects and site efforts. This individual will provide operational and technical support to the Design, Construction Management, CQV/Start-up teams and operations for large-scale facility projects within a cGMP environment. They will directly support the clean utilities area and associated equipment systems from design through site construction and start-up. Specific activities include drafting technical documentation, RFP forms, specifications, data sheets, User Requirement Specifications (URS) and test plans for FAT/SAT/CQV. The candidate will assess current manufacturing processes to identify clean utility needs. They will work with cross-functional teams to implement strategies that improve sustainability, productivity, quality, and profitability while reducing costs.

Responsibilities

• Project Support: Lead clean utilities initiatives and direct engineering teams in various phases of project development, from concept design to implementation and testing. Support incident investigations, due diligence efforts, and corrective action development related to utility systems.
• Collaboration: Work independently but be quick to ask questions and draw upon the best internal, customer, and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently. Build and maintain healthy, long term, professional relationships with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry partners. Maintain excellent composure, especially under pressure.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and progress reports. Collect, record, transcribe, and analyze data, and document analytical results in clear, well-organized reports.
• Communication: Communicate effectively in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and project team well informed of pertinent information in a timely manner. Assumes responsibility for filling in gaps in customer communication.
• Innovation: Foster an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively. They will help others overcome resistance to change. The candidate will be dedicated to creating solutions to customers' problems.

Qualifications And Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or equivalent preferred).
• Experience: 3-10 years working in pharmaceutical industry or relevant high purity water/steam systems and process gases experience in another industry.
• Technical Skills:
  • Direct hands-on experience with Clean Utilities Systems (RO/WFI/Clean Steam/Process Gases).
  • Process Equipment Knowledge for specification of requirements and overall sizing of supporting utilities.
  • Understanding of P&IDs, PFDs, and Material/Energy Balances.
  • Process Engineering skills and aptitude.
  • Proficient in cGMPs and compendial requirements as they relate to Clean Utility Systems.
  • Proficiency in using engineering tools and software platforms.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.
• Nice to Have:
  • FE/PE Certification

Location

This is not a remote role. This position will be required to report to a client site in Raleigh, NC.

Travel

Flexibility and willingness for occasional travel based on project needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Benefits

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien 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/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.