Principal Process Engineer– Device Assembly; DA

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As part of the Global Process Engineering team, the Principal Process Engineer – Device Assembly (DA) serves as the recognized technical authority and domain expert for device assembly equipment. This role is accountable for end‑to‑end (E2E) process engineering ownership of device assembly equipment, from conceptual design, commissioning and qualification, through the initial equipment start‑up for commercial manufacturing.

• Leads development and delivery of device assembly specifications and drawings (user requirements, data sheets, technical specifications, P&IDs, PFDs) supporting large‑molecule, aseptic biotherapeutic drug product operations
• Provide process system ownership and technical leadership for aseptic device assembly equipment used in biotherapeutic drug product manufacturing
• Assess vendor competency and capabilities, review and influence bid documents, and maintain accountability for project development and execution, including system performance
• Lead detailed design and development of aseptic device assembly equipment, collaborating with multi‑functional partners and strategic equipment vendors
• Serve as the Device Assembly equipment SME for large‑molecule, aseptic drug product projects, collaborating with A&E firms, construction partners, and equipment suppliers
• Lead and support equipment FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, and commercial production line start‑up activities
• Resolve complex technical issues during C&Q and ensure system readiness for qualification and commercial operation
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Facilities, MSAT, Quality, Procurement, E&PS, and EHS to align priorities and accelerate execution
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, cGMPs, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in engineering required (Mechanical Engineering preferred); MS or MBA preferred
• Minimum of 7 years device assembly equipment process engineering and/or device assembly capital project execution experience within a large‑molecule, biotherapeutic cGMP environment
• Strong background in aseptic, large‑molecule, biotherapeutic drug product device assembly principles
• Experience leading device assembly process engineering activities across the full product lifecycle, preferably within capital project execution
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with multi‑functional partners
• Strength in resolving complex technical and regulatory challenges impacting the equipment and facility design of device assembly equipment for large‑molecule, biotherapeutic products
• Solid understanding of cGMP requirements for aseptic device assembly equipment, EHS requirements (EHS-by-design and construction safety), startup processes and Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q) of aseptic equipment, engineering design principles for biotherapeutic drug product manufacturing, construction, procurement, project controls, and project scheduling
• Strong technical depth, problem‑solving capability, interpersonal skills, and decision‑making ability in a fast‑paced environment
• Passion for driving innovation in aseptic equipment and facility design

• Demonstrated leadership of capital projects for aseptic large‑molecule, biotherapeutic device assembly equipment in the $50-$100 MM range
• Deep process engineering expertise from conceptual design through C&Q to operational readiness in large‑molecule biotherapeutic drug product environments
• Experience supporting greenfield or brownfield GMP aseptic manufacturing facility start‑ups in device assembly equipment

This position will be located in Wilson, North Carolina and will require full‑time on‑site support. The design of the facility will occur at an engineering firm with frequent travel (> 75%) required until the project shifts to the plant site.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.