The Process Engineer II is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and optimizing large‑scale upstream and downstream production equipment and instrumentation to ensure reliable, continuous manufacturing operations with minimal downtime. Leveraging strong process mapping and analytical skills, this role leads the development and execution of process improvement initiatives, conducts engineering design evaluations, and identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency and product quality across USP/DSP processes.
In addition, the Process Engineer II evaluates equipment needs, researches potential solutions, and provides informed recommendations to management. The role also partners closely with third‑party contractors to ensure timely completion of IQ/OQ/PQ activities. Strong independent troubleshooting capabilities are essential.
What you will do
- Maintain all USP/DSP equipment and instruments at the ready-to-run status to ensure that manufacturing is continuously in operation with minimal downtime
- When needed, be responsible for design, installation, and qualification of batch processing tanks, solvent recovery system, filter dryers, filtration system, ultra-low freezers, HVAC, solvent distribution and recovery system, compressed air, purified water, and wastewater system
- Ability to learn the automation system trouble shooting including a programed recipe fixing, changing and testing.
- Support production on CAPEX projects for production facility and equipment improvements in order to increase production efficiency and reduce cost
- Perform activities associated with the design and qualification of the new and existing USP/DSP equipment used in a manufacturing plant
- Support large-scale production process development and optimization projects
- Provide technical guidance and support investigations for process related deviations, change control and operational excellence projects
- Oversee implementation, commissioning, and qualification of USP/DSP facility and process equipment
- Maximize the success rate for production operations by instituting programs to minimize human error, mechanical failure, contaminations, and procedural error
- Maintain a safety-first approach in the large-scale manufacturing workplace
- Communicate operational status regularly to senior management and corporate management, as required and appropriate. Communications include written documents and formal / informal oral presentations
- Maintain a high level of compliance and efficiency to drive the organization to world-class manufacturing standards
- Create new process and equipment drawings to existing processes based on specifications and standards
- Update and maintain drawings and P&ID to reflect changes to existing processes
- Responsible for trouble shooting and providing corrective action directives
- Troubleshoot process equipment and ensuring that equipment works to its specifications and appropriate capacities
- Create, execute validation protocols and write validation summary reports
- Draft of new procedures, SOP’s and protocols as well as training of staff for these expectations
- Write technical reports to support the process development data.
- Write standard operations procedures, standard test procedures, master batch records, and other related GMP documents.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a life sciences or engineering field
- Master's degree (preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of experience of pharmaceutical engineering and/or manufacturing
- Thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals
- Deep knowledge of cGMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, large-scale equipment, and engineering principles
- Good understanding of computer programming and software development
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests.
- Technical knowledge of USP/DSP processes / equipment / automation / utilities (e.g. large-scale chemical reactor, cleavage vessel, deprotection vessel, solvent delivery system, agitator, batches processing, tank, filtration, purified water system, heat exchanger, HVAC, etc.)
- Equipment Qualification and Validation IQ /OQ / PQ and SOPs
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to communicate in a proactive and solutions-focused manner, including keeping management aware of potential issues
- Ability to work independently and manage one’s time
- Ability to schedule and host internal/external meetings and negotiate with vendors, contractors, and customers for the best interest of the production department. Excellent computer knowledge, including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Communicate effectively and ability to function well in a team environment
- Ability to effectively organize, multitask, and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment
- Detail oriented with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process problems and deviations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in reading schematics and diagrams as well as other written materials
- High level of safety awareness.
- Good background for Automation systems software, i.e. DeltaV and FactoryTalk, is preferred.
- Creative thinking skills with detail orientation.
- Excellent manual dexterity.
Base Annual Salary Range:
Engineer II: $83,089 - $114,247
Sr. Engineer: $102,331 - $140,705
Placement of new hires in these wage ranges 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.
Nearest Major Market: San Diego
