Associate Principal Scientist, Engineering

Position Description

The Chemical Engineering Research & Development department (CERD), part of the Process Research and Development organization, is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast‑paced job that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. This position involves hands‑on process development/scale‑up work performed at scales spanning the range from laboratory scale to commercial manufacturing scale.

Under scientific and administrative direction, an engineer in this role conducts independent research which involves conceiving, designing, planning, and implementing advanced experiments aimed at achieving research goals related to process development, technology development, and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The candidate may also have the opportunity to manage process development and/or manufacturing activities at external suppliers. The engineer will be expected to exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, which will include following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

A high level of innovation, creativity, and self‑initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. Successful candidates will be required to communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical problems, support pilot plant operations, and interface with cross‑functional colleagues/customers.

This role requires approximately 10–15% travel.

• BS and/or MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited College/University plus at least 8 years of relevant work experience in process development OR
• PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited College/University with at least 3 years of relevant work experience post‑PhD defense.

• For BS/MS candidates, at least 8 years of relevant work experience post‑graduation – OR – for PhD candidates with at least 3 years of relevant work experience post PhD defense, where relevant work experience would include the following:
• Experience performing lab‑based research/process development in a chemical engineering‑related area.
• Experience with process scale‑up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.

• Direct experience with pharmaceutical drug substance development.
• Familiarity with concepts and application of cGMP and GDP during pharmaceutical development and production.
• Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and/or process modeling.
• Experience with chemical engineering‑related technology development.

Chemical Engineering, Communication, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Detail‑Oriented, Manufacturing Scale‑Up, Mentorship, Pharmaceutical Development

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. San Francisco Residents Only:
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only:
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with…