Senior Validation Project Manager

About the role

Our project managers are technical leads first, with a strong background in CQV strategy, development, and field execution. We look for culture fit above all—our people are our most important asset, and great people make great teams. The ideal candidate will have experience managing projects of $1M or more and leading teams of at least 6-8 engineers and consultants on defined scopes of work. A successful CAI project manager must demonstrate direct responsibility for scope, schedule, and budget.

We value experienced generalists, but if you’re a CQV subject-matter expert in facilities, clean utilities, upstream and downstream biotech equipment, single-use disposable, or aseptic fill-finish manufacturing, we’d like to talk to you. While a PMP certification is beneficial, hands-on experience is essential to thrive on a CAI team.

On any given day, you might lead a budget review meeting, conduct a daily huddle with your team, review summary reports, write protocols, or support field execution. CAI project managers are active, multifaceted professionals—desktop project managers need not apply. This role typically reports to either a client manager or an area manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead budget review meetings and daily team huddles
• Review summary reports and write qualification protocols
• Support field execution and ensure project deliverables meet defined goals
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget for projects valued at $1M+
• Conduct risk assessments and develop commissioning plans/test scripts

Requirements

• BS in a science or engineering field or equivalent experience
• 8-12 years’ experience commissioning and qualifying bio-pharma systems and equipment
• Experience with risk assessments, qualification protocols, commissioning plans/test scripts, and summary reports
• Experience with CIP/SIP (desired)
• Three or more years serving as a program or project manager for life science projects with budgets of $1M+
• Demonstrated success in leading teams to achieve defined goals under pressure
• Proficient with project management software tools
• Customer-service focused with excellent problem-solving skills

Other Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as required
• Able to work paid overtime
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future

About CAI

CAI is a professional services company established in 1996, now employing over 800 people worldwide. We provide commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, project management, and consulting services for operational readiness in FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries.

Our approach prioritizes the client’s interests, ensuring we deliver right the first time and go the extra mile. As employee-owners, we uphold our Foundational Principles: acting with integrity, serving each other and society, and working for our collective future. Our core values—Team Before Self, Respect for Others, and a Can-Do Attitude—drive our exponential growth.

Benefits

• 4% retirement contribution
• 24 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days per year
• Extremely low-cost health insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and 70% long-term disability coverage
• Financial support for internal and external professional education