Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying

About the role

The Senior Operations Engineer – Spray Drying will support the commissioning, qualification, start‑up and operational readiness of a new small‑molecule manufacturing facility in Elkton, VA. The role works closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure safe, compliant and efficient plant operations while driving continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start‑up and operational readiness activities for the new spray‑drying facility.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations and Supply Chain to ensure safe and effective plant start‑up.
• Provide technical support during equipment start‑up, troubleshooting and process optimization.
• Help define, implement and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures and routines.
• Coordinate improvement activities across the Integrated Product Team using lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S and visual management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in drug product or spray‑drying manufacturing, including start‑up and operational support.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GMP, quality and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication and organizational skills with ability to work across multiple functions.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Required skills

• cGMP compliance
• Chemical engineering principles
• Cross‑functional project management
• Data analysis
• Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement
• Manufacturing processes and systems
• Pharmaceutical process engineering
• Process optimization