Principal Engineer - Research Ops, GMP

Principal Engineer - Research Ops, GMP - vacancy for our Basel based client in the Pharma sector.

Your tasks:

• Identify technical solutions (could be different solutions) based on problem statement from NVS process experts (FL's/Scientists)
• Problem statements could include process related challenges but also challenges with the laboratory setup (eg missing media, infrastructure). In addition, problem statement could as well include optimization or adaptation of existing technical solution for new requirements.
• Problem statements could come from lab scale/bench scale processes) or pilot scale processes
• Problem statements come from non-GMP environment, aseptic/low bioburden environment, flow processes for protein products including organic solvents (like Octanol)
• Prepare technical requirement like equipment specifications or system requirements (eg as URS) for each of the technical solution(s) based on input from NVS process experts for respective problem statement(s)
• Identify potential vendors, suppliers, partners for the specific technical solution and work out with them the technical solution proposal for the problem statement.
• If needed/possible, drive and execute rapid prototyping of technical solutions (eg via 3D printing)
• Prepare cost assumptions/overview & timelines for delivery of technical solutions (including installation and FAT/SAT) allowing the NVS experts for joined decision on best fitting technical solution to implement (=engineering project).
• Prepare, review and approve drawings, lists, schedules, diagrams (P&ID), layouts (CAD layouts), calculations and datasheets in the respective engineering project.
• Own engineering project/project plan - including follow up with vendors, partners, suppliers to ensure that the engineering project complies with the required technical requirements as well as HSE and other requirements (such as ATEX). Ensure that project timelines and cost assumptions are met and communicates any deviation to NVS experts.
• Perform FAT/SAT/inspections at supplier for the technical solution/engineering project
• Perform commission activities including adaptations/optimization of local infrastructure/lab facilities (if needed).
• Manage project deficiencies and deviations with the suppliers/vendors and partners.
• Prepare technical documentation (based on supplier documentation) as well as all required local documents (eg HSE information, handling instructions, maintenance plans) for hand-over of technical solution/engineering project to the NVS process experts.
• Perform provisional and final handover of the technical solution/engineering project to NVS.

Your experience/knowledge:

• Min 5 years of experience in relevant industry (pharma, food, cosmetics) Engineering desired
• Degree in engineering - mechanical/electrical engineering (Dipl. Ing./M. Sc./B. Sc.) or equivalent
• Proven experience in processing of pharmaceutical products, food or cosmetics
• Specific experiences in manufacturing of suspension-like systems preferred as well as experiences with products containing proteins
• Understanding of aseptic or bioburden-controlled processes preferred
• Understanding of ATEX guidelines as well as other Swiss HSE requirement for handling of organic solvents in lab/pilot scale environment required
• Understanding of scale-up and scale-out approaches
• Understanding of CAD and rapid prototyping with eg 3-D printing mandatory
• Experiences with local partners like CBRE, NVS functions like procurement, NVS HSE guidelines and NVS PQS system)
• Fluent in English and proficient in local language.

Your soft skills:

• Team player with good communication skills, self-coordination and led by goal setting expected
• Enjoys practical work and develops technical solutions with certain degree of creativity and innovative mindset
• Good negotiation skills, planning skills and project management skills.

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Work setting: Hybrid
Sector: Pharma
Start: 09/2025
Duration: 12 months +
Workload: 100%
Ref.Nr.: BH 23296

Take the next step and send a resume along with a daytime phone number where the company can reach you.

Due to Swiss work permit restrictions, only applications from Swiss nationals, EU citizens, and current work-permit holders for Switzerland will be considered.

Applications are welcomed from individuals of all genders, age groups, sexual orientations, personal expressions, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Therefore, there is no requirement to provide gender information or a photo in the application.

As per client requirements, information about marital status, nationality, date of birth, and a valid Swiss work permit is needed. For applicants with disabilities, potential solutions can be explored with the end client.