Sr. Principal Engineer, Clean Utilities

Job Title

Sr. Principal Engineer, Clean Utilities

Wilson, North Carolina, United States of America

As part of the Global Process Engineering team, the Sr. Principal Engineer, Clean Utilities, serves as the technical subject matter expert (SME) in clean utilities. They are accountable for end‑to‑end process engineering leadership in designing and implementing a clean utilities system for a new cGMP drug product manufacturing plant, including equipment development, problem resolution, process optimisation, commissioning, qualification, and line start‑up while ensuring full regulatory compliance.

• Development and delivery of clean utility drawings (user requirements, data sheets, technical specifications, P&IDs, PFDs)
• Assessment of vendor competency and capabilities, review of bid documents, and accountability for project development and execution, including performance of the process systems
• Lead the detailed design and development of clean utility equipment in collaboration with a diverse multi‑functional team, including strategic equipment vendors
• Lead the design of the clean utility plant (CUP) area
• Lead equipment FAT, SAT, C&Q, and start‑up activities
• Resolve technical issues during C&Q testing and ensure readiness of the system for C&Q activities
• Identify and expedite key activities across multiple business functions (Manufacturing, Facilities, MSAT, Quality, Procurement, E&PS, and EHS)
• Ensure alignment across evolving business needs and provide strong partner management and leadership skills to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
• Maintain a solid understanding of industry trends and benchmark against internal and external practices
• Apply data‑driven insights and market intelligence to inform future decision‑making, stay abreast of industry and regulatory trends, and adapt strategies to achieve excellent portfolio performance
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, government regulations, and customer specifications

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred), with MS or MBA preferred)

• At least 10 years of experience in clean utilities design, operation, and maintenance within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy manufacturing facility (WFI, clean steam generation, compressed air, process gases)
• Track record of developing and maintaining strong partnerships with key stakeholders
• Ability to lead and motivate multicultural teams and remote customers
• Extensive interaction with external partners (engineering design firms, construction firms, equipment vendors) to develop, organize, and execute project plans as Clean Utilities SME
• Excellent problem‑solving skills for handling potential conflicts
• Understanding of sophisticated technical and regulatory issues impacting facility/equipment design

• cGMP requirements for clean utility systems (WFI, clean steam, compressed air, process gases)
• EHS requirements, particularly EHS by design and construction safety
• Start‑up processes and Commissioning & Qualification of clean utility systems in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapies facilities
• Construction and Procurement processes
• Project Controls processes
• Project scheduling
• Strong technical process engineering knowledge and passion for solving complex technical problems
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and decision‑making skills for fast‑paced evolving business settings
• Ability to drive process engineering innovation for equipment and facilities, maintaining and expanding technical knowledge across the team

• Consistent track record on leading capital projects in clean utilities within the range of $50–$200 million
• Strong process engineering expertise from conceptual design through C&Q to ensure efficient operational readiness in biotherapeutic drug product environments

• Position will be located in Wilson, North Carolina. Requires full‑time onsite support. Site design will occur at an engineering firm with frequent travel (>75%) 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.

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