Development Engineer

Woodstock Sterile Solutions•Woodstock, IL

3d•$85,000 - $99,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Development Engineer is responsible for pre-development through scale-up and commercialization of formulations and processes for new customers and products. This role partners directly with customer scientists and engineers to bring innovative formulations into our patented blow-fill-seal (BFS) packaging platform, from early feasibility through full commercial-scale production.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a relevant discipline required
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical drug product process development, or a combination of lower experience with a strong academic background
Strong knowledge of mathematics, mechanical aptitude, and statistical analysis for research and development; working knowledge of Quality by Design principles
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail
Excellent documentation and communication skills, both written and oral, at all levels of the organization
Full complement of business computer literacy skills (word processing, spreadsheets, design software, database software, etc.)
Ability to interface with technical and non-technical customer representatives, outside suppliers, and WSS management
Ability to work independently and/or in a team environment across multiple projects; flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
Ability to perform timely risk assessments and act accordingly
Familiarity with cGMP principles or the ability to quickly learn and apply them; commitment to safe work practices
Demonstrated bias toward action, active listening, and a willingness to share skills and knowledge with others

Nice To Haves

Master of Science or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a relevant discipline desired
Experience in sterile processing or liquid drug formulation preferred
Experience with large molecule and/or biologics products is beneficial
Experience in personal care or food science industries may be considered relevant

Responsibilities

Work directly with customer scientists, development, and process engineers on formulation development, feasibility, scale-up, and commercialization into blow-fill-seal (BFS) packaging, including physicochemical attributes, consistency, and manufacturability
Demonstrate technical experience and expertise to build customer confidence in WSS's ability to produce their product
Work under the technical direction of Senior Development Engineers, the Product Development Engineering Manager, or other subject matter experts on complex, high-visibility problems
Provide technical direction, guidance, and mentoring for Associate Development Engineers
Define experimental designs for process development and optimization; define, justify, and acquire required laboratory equipment and instruments
Provide engineering technical guidance to production teams to improve key commercial processes
Define user requirements for new equipment and hardware (stainless steel vessels, tubing, fittings, sanitary valves, filter housings, steam traps, instruments, gauges, disposable components)
Develop scalable, robust processes that meet product specifications; assist customers in developing specifications based on feasibility and process capability data
Collect and analyze experimental data using engineering principles and mathematical techniques, exercising independent judgment
Define critical process parameters, operating ranges, and acceptance criteria supporting sterility assurance and process validation activities
Support regulatory submissions and defend process-related information in customer filings, internal documents, and government audits
Document process development activities in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (R&D notebooks, engineering studies, test runs, feasibility studies); author comprehensive product development plans
Consult external academic and industrial resources, guidance documents, standards, and regulations as needed
Create design concepts and basic CAD drawings/assemblies, isometrics, P&IDs, and shop drawings
Troubleshoot technical issues related to sterile/sanitary processes, investigate problems, and support or execute corrective actions
Act as technical subject matter expert on multi-disciplinary project teams; ensure key milestones are achieved and communicate risks to stakeholders
Review test reports and certificates for compliance with specifications for raw materials, finished products, and vendor documentation
Utilize Design of Experiments, Risk Assessments (e.g., FMEA), Quality by Design, and statistical tools to identify and solve problems early in the development process
Maintain effectiveness of Quality System components relevant to the position; identify, evaluate, and communicate risk throughout the organization