Principal Project Engineer

About the role

The Principal Project Engineer is responsible for managing and executing capital projects in support of pharmaceutical drug substance, intermediates, and fine chemical development and production. The role involves managing multiple, high-value, complex projects across various disciplines including civil, mechanical, equipment, and facilities design and installation; technology transfer; and product delivery.

Responsibilities

• Takes a lead role in working with the project owner and supporting staff to develop the project business case and project objectives.
• Ensures relevant alternatives are evaluated and the recommended solution is supported by local staff and management.
• Generates and communicates proposals with project stakeholders as well as management.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and directs the entire engineering effort for assigned projects, ensuring project success.
• Directs efforts relating to the generation of cost estimates and capital requests.
• Manages the purchasing & contracting activities to ensure timely, cost-effective equipment and services are provided for the overall project.
• Reviews project design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements, and related specifications.
• Leads the evaluation of the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering designs and procedures.
• Performs as a staff advisor and consultant as to a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function (involving the integration of several business systems).
• Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities to be carried out by others.
• Secures resources for specific phases or aspects of projects such as technical studies, system design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, construction, and qualification.
• Leads timely resolutions of disputes and conflict resolution with external contractors, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Interacts with customers as “Technical Lead” for Project Engineering concerns.
• Provides updates to Production Management and LT, as needed, regarding project progress, issues/issue resolution, and results.

Leadership & Budget Responsibilities

This position is responsible for providing leadership and management to assigned projects and is responsible for developing scopes, justifications, cost budgets, personnel requirements, and timelines to ensure that all major project objectives are met. Provides direction to contract engineers. Fosters a project team atmosphere that facilitates positive employee morale.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

Every individual is personally responsible for the safety and environmental aspects of their activities in the workplace. Each employee is expected to perform their job duties in a safe manner utilizing all their knowledge, training, ability, and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering (preferred), Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from 4-year college or university; along with 10 years related experience in the Pharmaceutical or Fine Chemical Industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated expert ability in engineering project management and construction management.
• Knowledge of project controls, including scheduling, budgeting, and change order systems.
• Prioritization and organizational skills; proactive problem identification skills for technical, organizational, and personnel issues; management and resolution of conflicting priorities; and ability to delegate.
• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in specification, selection, and purchasing equipment systems and materials used for bulk pharmaceutical chemicals; and specialty chemical processing.
• Stays current with processing related equipment, technology, and innovations through regular reading of trade journals, contact with suppliers, and affiliation with professional organizations.
• Communication skills across all levels of the organization including: writing reports, proposals, and instructions incorporating both technical and business concepts; conducting briefings, presentations, and technical meetings for internal and external representatives; facilitating operator training, debriefings, and problem resolution; providing oral presentations for leadership concerning business needs, project proposals, operations, and scheduling of specific phases of projects or contracts; representing Corden in negotiations with outside entities to ensure best terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of supporting departments’ procedures and systems, such as purchasing, management of change, and SAP.
• Able to generate and implement novel ideas and methods to meet both site and project needs.