Operational Excellence Principal Engineer

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world.

The Principal Engineer, Operational Excellence is a senior technical improvement leader responsible for identifying, leading, and sustaining high-impact operational improvements that increase capacity, improve throughput, reduce cycle time, improve yield, strengthen schedule attainment, and eliminate waste across manufacturing and support functions.

This role serves as a subject matter expert in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, engineering, and operational performance improvement within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Working closely with cross functional teams, the Principal Engineer applies chemical engineering principles and data-driven problem solving to remove production constraints, optimize process performance, and deliver measurable business results.

• Inspire and drive a site culture focused on safety for all employees as per our commitment to “Safety is non-negotiable”

• Collaborate with cross functional teams to improve process robustness, equipment utilization, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Apply statistical analysis, root-cause analysis, FMEA, process capability analysis, regression, and Design of Experiments to complex operational problems.
• Analyze process flow, chemistry, variability, constraints, and resource utilization to improve manufacturing predictability and performance.
• Lead DMAIC, PDCA, Kaizen, and other structured problem-solving efforts.
• Evaluate automation, digital, and emerging technology opportunities that simplify work and improve operational visibility or control.

• Support sustainment of Lean Manufacturing, TQM Daily Management, leadership standard work, visual management, tiered accountability, 6S, and structured problem-solving systems.
• Mentor Lean Six Sigma practitioners, and cross-functional project teams to strengthen site capability.