Principal - Process Engineer - Life Science

Barry-Wehmiller•Atlanta, GA

10d

About The Position

Who You’ll Work With You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment. When you join Design Group as a Principal - Process Engineer - LS, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world’s leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will join our Architecture/Engineering Process (AEP) Practice and partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our Life Science (LS) sector clients with consistency and accuracy. What You’ll Do You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.

Requirements

15+ years of engineering/design experience in biologics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or medical device process systems, with demonstrable leadership in large-scale capital projects.
Proven expertise in upstream/downstream processes, single-use systems, CIP/SIP, support equipment (washers, autoclaves, lyophilizers), and high purity water systems.
Extensive experience with installation, start-up, and commissioning of bioprocess equipment and GXP utility systems, including field supervision of trades.
Deep understanding of FDA and EMA regulatory standards, with the ability to set and enforce compliance strategies.
Advanced proficiency in process control methodologies, automation integration, and instrumentation best practices.
Strong capability in developing and approving functional specifications for complex systems.
Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire teams, engage with clients at executive and plant levels, and convey complex technical information clearly to all audiences.
Experience with proposal development, project estimation, and scope definition for controls projects.
Aptitude for troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and delivering innovative technical solutions in demanding environments.
Recognition as a technical leader or subject matter expert in professional or industry settings; participation in conferences or standards committees is a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven success in client relationship management and team leadership.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Project; preferred experience with 3D modeling, hydraulic analysis, and process simulation software.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Bioengineering, or similar discipline
Willingness to travel for large-scale project requirements, client engagements, and industry-related events.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
Master’s degree preferred.
preferred experience with 3D modeling, hydraulic analysis, and process simulation software.
Recognition as a technical leader or subject matter expert in professional or industry settings; participation in conferences or standards committees is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for the firm for LS process engineering.
Guide process design for sterile manufacturing across multiple capital programs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.
Spearhead project teams through complex project life cycles, ensuring technical excellence and accountability across all phases—from planning and conceptual design to site startup and client handover.
Ensure that project delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets and that solutions comply with all regulatory, safety, and security standards and compliance on design, design-build, and EPCMV projects.
Serve as primary client technical advisor for strategic capital planning, innovation adoption, and operational optimization.
Mentor, develop, and review the work of engineers at all levels, elevating the technical expertise of the organization.
Support the development and implementation of firmwide standards and best practices for process engineering in LS manufacturing environments.
Partner directly with key clients to understand needs, define project requirements, articulate solutions, and build lasting relationships based on trust and delivery of world-class outcomes.
Champion client-focused innovation, evaluating new technologies and creative approaches to deliver exceptional value, quality, and performance.
Drive thought leadership, staying ahead of emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Participate in business development strategy, project opportunity reviews, and proposal preparation for high-value and complex projects.