Principal Process Engineer

Evonik•Birmingham, AL

16d

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing senior-level engineering competence for the site. The employee will lead equipment design and selection across multiple departments in both standard industrial (utilities, etc.) and pharmaceutical manufacturing settings. The employee will also build and maintain simulations of existing utilities distribution networks that will inform future investment decision-making.

Requirements

B.S. in Engineering required; M.S. preferred (Chemical Engineering strongly preferred)
Minimum 12 years of experience in engineering, with expertise in design and procurement of chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial equipment (e.g., boilers, heat exchangers)
Strong knowledge of pumps, valves, and instrumentation used in chemical and pharmaceutical processes
Familiar with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and multiple drug delivery technologies is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage tasks, resolve technical challenges, and lead multifaceted projects with minimal supervision
Proven track record of identifying and implementing new technologies and instrumentation
Knowledge of safety protocols, PPE use, and handling of hazardous chemicals
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard business software
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate technical information clearly to internal teams and clients
Physically able to sit, stand, reach, grasp, stoop, crouch, and distinguish colors for extended periods
Contributes to continuous improvement of company policies, practices, and procedures

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a site-wide utility simulation model to support capacity planning and ensure alignment with site growth and capital investments.
Lead the design of pharmaceutical process equipment, including skid-based systems for mixing, filtration, sterilization, and other unit operations.
Create and enforce technical standards for equipment procurement, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance across ~$10M+ in annual spend.
Collaborate with automation engineering to integrate long-term automation strategies into new equipment and process designs.
Mentor junior engineers in core disciplines such as heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and troubleshooting to build in-house technical expertise.
Ensure compliance with cGMP, environmental, and safety regulations, and contribute technical input to SOPs, investigations, and quality documentation.
Drive engineering excellence to reduce capital costs, minimize process downtime, and decrease reliance on external consultants and vendors.