Project Engineer – API Pilot Plant
Location: North Chicago, IL (100% Onsite)
Job Type: Contract (1–2 Years, with potential extension based on performance and business needs)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer to support capital projects within an API Pilot Plant and laboratory environment. This role will lead the planning, design, and execution of small- to medium-sized capital projects that support pharmaceutical process development and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pharmaceutical or specialty chemical manufacturing, process engineering, and capital project management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute capital projects up to $5M involving new process equipment installations and facility upgrades.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, priorities, and execution strategies.
- Develop and review:
- P&IDs
- Process equipment specifications
- Process piping layouts
- Instrumentation and control systems
- Perform feasibility studies, economic analyses, and cost estimates.
- Oversee procurement, construction activities, commissioning, and project closeout.
- Develop project schedules, monitor budgets, and provide project reporting.
- Support commissioning, qualification, and validation activities, including URS and protocol development.
- Ensure compliance with FDA cGMP, OSHA, environmental regulations, building and fire codes, and company engineering standards.
- Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Foster innovation and continuous improvement within project teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- 7+ years of project and process engineering experience.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, biologics, or related manufacturing industries.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Process equipment (reactors, tanks, pumps, piping systems)
- Process instrumentation and controls
- P&ID development
- Equipment sizing, specification, and selection
- Demonstrated experience managing capital projects from concept through completion.
- Experience with project budgeting, cost control, scheduling, and construction supervision.
- Working knowledge of commissioning and qualification activities.
- Familiarity with financial controls and capital expenditure processes.
- Knowledge of FDA cGMP, OSHA, and environmental regulations.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in API manufacturing or pharmaceutical process development.
- Knowledge of laboratory and pilot plant operations.
- Experience with emerging pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate is a proactive engineering professional who can manage complex projects, solve technical challenges, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative pharmaceutical R&D environment.
Apply today if you have a passion for engineering excellence and delivering impactful capital projects in the pharmaceutical industry.
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Education:
Ability to Commute:
- North Chicago, IL 60064 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- North Chicago, IL 60064: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
