Process Engineering Lead – HPAPI / Powder Handling (Contract)
Philadelphia, PA → Holly Springs, NC
6-Month Contract → High-Impact Full-Time Role
We’re looking for a top-tier Process Engineering leader to take ownership of powder handling and high-potency API (HPAPI) systems for a major greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing site.
- Lead early-stage design decisions for powder handling and compounding systems
- Act as SME across containment, charging, and material transfer
- Drive safe design for OEB/OEL 4+ compounds and combustible dust environments
- Interface directly with engineering firms, product teams, and leadership
- Ensure ATEX/DSEAR compliance and risk mitigation strategies are built in—not added later
- Challenge assumptions and ensure design feasibility at scale
- Own process performance, commissioning, and startup readiness
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement
- Serve as the go-to expert for HPAPI and powder systems
- Influence future expansion, scale-up, and process optimization
What We’re Looking For
- Chemical Engineering degree (BS/MS/PhD)
- Real-world, hands-on experience (not just design or theory)
- Deep expertise in:
- Powder handling (containment, transfer, charging)
- High-potency APIs (OEB/OEL 4+)
- Combustible dust / flammable environments
- Strong working knowledge of ATEX / DSEAR / process safety principles
- Proven ability to operate as an SME in high-risk, high-complexity environments
- Comfortable pushing back, making decisions, and owning outcomes
Preferred (Strongly Valued)
- Greenfield facility build / startup experience
- Tech transfer / scale-up in pharma manufacturing
- Experience working with EPCs / design houses
- Track record of influencing cross-functional teams without authority
Location & Expectations
- Onsite with design team near Philadelphia (initial phase)
- Transition to Holly Springs, NC (~3 months)
- High visibility, high accountability role
