Principal Facilities Engineer | Onsite San Diego HQ

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides advanced technical expertise for life sciences facilities supporting research, clinical development, and regulated spaces. This role is accountable for the performance, reliability, and compliance of mission-critical facility systems and leads engineering strategies that ensure operational excellence in regulated environments. Leads complex, cross-functional engineering programs and initiatives that impact facility infrastructure, regulatory readiness, and long-term asset performance. The Principal Engineer serves as a key technical resource for infrastructure systems, including laboratory HVAC, process utilities, building automation systems, laboratory and automation equipment, and electrical distribution. This position supports infrastructure performance to enable scientific advancement, product development, and facility operations. In partnership with Facilities, Research and Development, Quality, Validation, Environmental Health & Safety, and Information Technology, this role supports engineering initiatives that improve system reliability, regulatory readiness, and asset performance. Develops and advances engineering standards, best practices, and technical approaches for facilities infrastructure.

Requirements

• High School Diploma and 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environments supporting critical infrastructure systems OR Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related engineering discipline and 6 + years of progressive engineering experience in life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environments supporting critical infrastructure systems
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Serves as a recognized subject matter expert and primary technical authority for facility infrastructure systems
• Experience with HVAC systems, process utilities, electrical distribution systems, building automation systems, and laboratory systems
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and other design and document review tools
• Experience supporting infrastructure capital projects and system upgrades
• Working knowledge of utility systems including chilled water, hot water, compressed air, vacuum
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Requires strong understanding of engineering principles supporting laboratory and regulated environments, including HVAC systems, process utilities, electrical distribution, building automation systems, and laboratory systems
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions, drive alignment across functions, and lead initiatives without direct authority
• Applies knowledge of how engineering functions integrate with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, Environmental Health & Safety, and Facilities Operations.
• Works on complex technical issues requiring evaluation of regulatory requirements, operational risk, and system performance
• Uses structured problem-solving and analytical thinking to support system reliability and validated state
• Acts as a technical resource for infrastructure-related issues and supports resolution of complex problems
• Demonstrates understanding of FDA and GMP regulatory expectations related to facility systems, documentation, and change control
• Collaborates cross-functionally to support infrastructure performance and compliance
• Exercises sound judgment in managing systems that impact operations and compliance
• Communicates technical information clearly to stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Leads engineering assessments and drives capital planning activities, including prioritization of infrastructure investments aligned with business and regulatory needs.
• Monitors performance, validation status, and compliance of critical systems, including certifications, HVAC qualification, process utilities, utility distribution networks, electrical systems, and environmental monitoring systems
• Leads cross-functional collaboration with Facilities, R&D, Quality, Validation, EHS, and IT to define and implement infrastructure solutions.
• Develops and maintains maintenance strategies, corrective maintenance plans, contracts, and statements of work; supports updates to drawings and engineering specifications
• Supports administration and continuous improvement of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), including data integrity and system utilization
• Leads execution of complex engineering projects from design through commissioning, ensuring alignment with GMP standards and lifecycle validation requirements.
• Leads technical evaluations and risk assessments of mission-critical infrastructure and determines mitigation strategies to reduce operational and regulatory risk.
• Provides technical support for FDA inspections and regulatory audits; ensures systems and documentation remain inspection ready
• Participates in infrastructure-related investigations, root cause analysis, deviation resolution, and corrective and preventive actions
• Provides technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to engineers and facilities staff; may lead indirect or matrixed teams.
• Communicates system performance, risks, and project updates to management and cross-functional stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• retirement savings plan (with company match)
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees