Senior Project Engineer

Senior Project Engineer (3–6 Month Contract)

Bethlehem, PA

This is a high-impact contract role for an experienced Project Engineer who can step into a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing environment and immediately drive complex capital projects to completion.

Job Summary

This role provides engineering leadership for new and existing capital projects while supporting site operations, process optimization, and technical troubleshooting across pharmaceutical manufacturing systems.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute capital projects from feasibility through commissioning, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Drive process design and optimization for chemical and API manufacturing systems, including reactors, condensers, distillation columns, utilities (steam, chilled water), storage vessels, and related equipment.
• Develop, review, and maintain engineering documentation such as P&IDs, equipment specifications, and technical reports.
• Conduct key safety and compliance activities, including Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
• Ensure adherence to cGMP, FDA, OSHA, and internal safety standards throughout all project activities.
• Collaborate with operations, quality assurance, maintenance, validation, EHS, and external vendors to meet project milestones and resolve technical challenges.
• Utilize project management software (such as MS Project) to manage project scope, timelines, and costs.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and cost savings across the site.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues by analyzing system performance, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Support knowledge transfer and mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and project ownership mindset.
• Advanced technical expertise in mechanical or chemical engineering within pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing environments.
• Ability to interpret and develop detailed engineering documentation, especially P&IDs.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex process and equipment issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Solid understanding of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements in a cGMP facility.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solutions-driven approach with a strong sense of urgency.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering REQUIRED.
• Minimum of 7 years of engineering experience, including at least 5 years in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing.
• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit) and project management tools.
• Working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.
• PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.