Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying
About The Position
The Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying supports the DP and SDI Integrated Product Team in commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness for a new Small Molecule manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. The role works with cross-functional teams to support safe, compliant, and efficient operations during project execution and ongoing manufacturing. It also coordinates and prioritizes improvement activities across the IPT as the facility transitions to routine operations. The engineer provides technical and operational support for equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, optimization, technology transfer, and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes. The role helps establish and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines, and applies company production-system tools and lean principles to advance operational performance. When needed, the engineer acts as a delegate for the Production Lead and supports leadership continuity and cross-functional coordination.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; a technical discipline is required, with Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or Chemistry preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or related manufacturing experience in Spray Drying.
- Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
- Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up-related activities.
- Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.
- Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, start-up, or validation activities.
- Experience in a greenfield or new-facility start-up environment.
- Experience with technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes.
- Experience applying lean tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, and Standard Work.
- Experience coordinating activities across shifts, teams, or functions.
- Experience serving in a lead, coordinator, or delegate role supporting leadership continuity.
- Experience identifying improvement opportunities and helping implement practical solutions in a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities for the new SDI Small Molecule facility in Elkton, Virginia.
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to support safe, compliant, and effective plant start-up.
- Provide technical and operational support during equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Support technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes into the facility.
- Help define, implement, and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines.
- Coordinate and prioritize IPT improvement activities and focus areas in alignment with business objectives and operational performance goals.
- Use company Production System tools and lean principles, including Kaizen, 5S, visual management, and Standard Work, to identify and support improvement opportunities.
- Help embed best practices across shifts, functions, and workstreams to promote consistent, efficient operations.
- Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a delegate for the Production Lead when needed, supporting leadership continuity and cross-functional coordination.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work environment.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Other insurance benefits for employees and family
- Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate days
- Sick days
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Long-term incentive, if applicable
- Domestic relocation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
