Sr Development Engineer I

AMPAC Fine Chemicals•Rancho Cordova, CA

3d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Development Engineer leads the development and scale-up of chemical manufacturing processes from familiarization and development through initial plant implementation. The role translates development processes into manufacturing-ready operations, identifies scale-up risks and process or equipment gaps, and provides technical leadership for successful first-time plant execution. It works across Chemistry, Analytical, Operations, Facilities, Quality, Safety, and other functions, and provides subject matter expertise and training within the organization. The work includes process development and scale-up, mass balances, process modeling, process and equipment gap assessment, manufacturing documentation, emission calculations, troubleshooting, investigations, and evaluation of new technologies. The engineer works under consultative direction, and assignments are often self-initiated.

Requirements

Typically requires 10–13 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, 8–11 years with a master's degree, or 5–8 years with a PhD in a related field.
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related engineering or scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical communication skills.
High consciousness for personal and laboratory safety.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and planning.
Team-oriented and effective in cross-functional environments.
Highly motivated and willing to take initiative.
High mechanical aptitude and strong engineering judgment.
Knowledge of process development, unit operations, scale-up, and process optimization.
Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of process modeling, engineering calculations, or data analysis.

Responsibilities

Apply engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts, with general knowledge of other disciplines.
Follow PPE and chemical-handling requirements, address safety issues promptly, and communicate safety issues to fellow employees.
Lead complex process development and scale-up activities using strong organizational and planning skills.
Identify and evaluate scale-up risks, process uncertainties, and process or equipment gaps, and develop technical strategies to address them.
Use process modeling and engineering tools to characterize unit operations and support development decisions.
Lead technical support for first-time scale-up and initial manufacturing campaigns, including preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and resolution of process issues.
Lead development of GMP documentation, batch records, work instructions, variance responses, and change controls related to development and scale-up.
Work with process scientists and other technical functions to conduct and document scale-up and development activities.
Evaluate process and equipment requirements and work with Operations, Facilities, and other engineering functions to close gaps for plant implementation.
Lead customer technical calls and Integrated Team Meetings and represent the company professionally in technical interactions.
Provide leadership and training for junior engineers and other technical staff in Development Engineering and Operations.
Anticipate potential safety issues and incorporate safe solutions into development and scale-up strategies.
Support development investigations, root-cause analysis, and resolution of process or equipment problems, and contribute to implementation of new technologies.
Provide technical input to future manufacturing solutions and development strategies based on engineering experience.
Follow company SHE policies and procedures, participate in hazard identification and environmental risk reduction, and report incidents, nonconformities, and potential hazards to management.
Perform other duties as assigned.