Process Engineer I

Pfizer • Sanford, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer I provides technical and process engineering expertise to improve site equipment availability and reliability and reduce maintenance costs through continuous improvement, including LEAN principles. The role develops and implements strategies to improve manufacturing processes, procedures, and equipment performance. It supports biopharmaceutical and monoclonal antibody manufacturing at the Sanford site while ensuring compliance with SOPs, cGMPs, safety procedures, quality standards, OSHA and other regulatory requirements, good maintenance practices, and corporate initiatives.

The position provides engineering support for equipment and process improvements, manufacturing issue resolution, process equipment upgrades and optimization, capital projects, and troubleshooting. It coordinates with manufacturing, maintenance, plant engineering, validation, and automation colleagues. The incumbent typically works a routine weekly schedule but may need to work nights, weekends, holidays, or extended hours to support operations and related activities. The role is on-premise and may involve occasional travel to other Pfizer sites, conferences, suppliers, factory acceptance testing, and vendor locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and at least 2 years of experience; or MBA/MS with any years of relevant experience; or high school diploma or equivalent and at least 8 years of experience; or associate’s degree and at least 6 years of experience.
• Experience with process automation systems.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), part of GxP.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage moderately complex issues and foster consensus among teams.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States by any employer; work visa sponsorship is not available.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States is required.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in technical writing and document reviews.
• Knowledge of contemporary technologies and best aseptic practices.
• Proactive approach to promoting workplace safety.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and productivity.
• Curiosity about how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.
• Experience with pharmaceutical clean room design and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for equipment and process improvement initiatives using engineering practices and problem-solving techniques.
• Promote a safety culture.
• Work with manufacturing personnel and other departments to resolve manufacturing issues and implement process improvements.
• Lead implementation of moderately complex process equipment upgrades and optimization.
• Provide process engineering support to capital projects involving new bioprocess equipment purchase, installation, and facility integration.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex issues with site process equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance, plant engineering, validation, and automation colleagues in support of manufacturing operations.
• Plan and forecast work needed to support manufacturing with minimal supervisor guidance.
• Support biopharmaceutical and monoclonal antibody manufacturing processes at the Sanford site while maintaining compliance with applicable procedures, standards, and regulations.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer matching contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Paid caregiver, parental, and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 10% of base salary.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits and programs to support colleagues’ health and life needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level