Design & Verification Lead – Capital Projects
Long-Term Contract Project | Puerto Rico
Candidates must currently reside in Puerto Rico to be considered for this position.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design & Verification Lead to own the overall design delivery for capital project(s) within a regulated pharmaceutical/API manufacturing environment. In this long-term contract role (12 months, with possibility of extending up to 4 years), you will coordinate design activities across all project phases, direct the development of design requirements, and drive the Project Verification Plan from design through execution. Your leadership will ensure design intent is met, schedules stay on track, and design governance is maintained across internal teams, A/E firms, and site stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Standards & Requirements: Lead the identification of applicable Engineering Design Standards, Engineering Functional Standards, Engineering Specifications, and Regulatory requirements and guidance (internal and external)
- Design Delivery: Be responsible for the overall design delivery for capital project(s); coordinate all design for the Project Manager during all design phases; deliver the conceptual design review and basic design review
- Design Requirements & Schedule: Direct the development of design requirements; assist in development and maintenance of the design schedule to meet project needs
- A/E Firm Coordination: Participate in the selection of A/E firms; coordinate with A/E firms to develop earned value progress systems to measure progress by discipline (monitor work versus invoice amounts)
- Design Governance: Expedite design decisions and coordinate information flow between the design team and system owners; ensure design meets approved intent through interactions between the design firm, design specialists, engineering tech center disciplines, and end user/customer
- Problem Resolution: Be responsible for design activities and governance, resolving design-related problems; examine areas of inefficiency and develop strategies for improvement to meet or improve on the design hours plan
- Standard Operating Procedures: Assist in the development of SOPs, project delivery work instructions, and best practices related to design/verification, ensuring alignment with current industry best practices
- Personnel Review: Review and approve, along with the respective Project Manager, key design project personnel (internal and external resources)
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Work with Engineering Tech Center resources, local engineering resources, and other key project team technical/constructability resources to address and resolve design issues
- Replication & Value Engineering: Ensure replication is achieved during design when applicable; support the Project Manager in value engineering exercises to maximize project opportunities
- Invoice & KPI Review: Review design-related invoices prior to approval and participate in KPI reviews/assessments
- Verification Leadership: Participate in the selection of verification professional services; accountable for the development of the Project Verification Plan, Traceability Matrix, and risk assessments (not necessarily leading execution); coordinate verification for the Project Manager during the verification phase; accountable for discrepancy tracking and management in the verification phase
Required Experience
- BS in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) or BA in Architecture
- Minimum of 5 years manufacturing and/or engineering experience in support of pharmaceutical or API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) networks
Preferred Qualifications
- Pharmaceutical design, process, or project engineer experience
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to effectively facilitate conflict to resolution
- Ability to influence all levels of the project and site personnel
- Understanding of the capital project delivery process, A/E design activities, and available technical resources (user reps, Engineering Tech Center resources, and design specialists)
- Ability to frame complex decisions/analyses, facilitate to a decision, and implement according to plan
- Ability to build credibility and influence to align decision agreements between site(s), corporate engineering, A/E firm decision-makers, and stakeholders with differing opinions
- Experience facilitating issue resolution, anticipating scope changes, and implementing projects safely with quality, speed, and value
Why This Role
- Long-term stability – 12-month contract with possibility of extending up to 4 years
- Leadership opportunity – Own design delivery and verification strategy for capital projects
- High-impact work – Shape design outcomes for critical pharmaceutical manufacturing capital investments
- Growing sector – Join Caribbean's expanding pharmaceutical and capital projects hub
Engagement Details
- Compensation: $80,000 – $90,000 annually (adjustable based on experience)
- Contract type: Full-time independent contractor (no benefits)
- Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico (onsite, residency in Puerto Rico required)
- Duration: 12-month contract with possibility of extending up to 4 years
- Travel: Both domestic and international, on average about 25%, depending on project phase
About Real Physics
Real Physics is a consulting and infrastructure firm specializing in enterprise technology solutions, talent outsourcing, and innovation across the Caribbean and Latin America. We connect world-class talent with transformative projects.
Ready to lead design excellence on critical capital projects? Apply now!
Note: Only candidates who currently reside in Puerto Rico will be considered for this position.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
