Development Engineer

Woodstock Sterile Solutions Job Post

Woodstock Sterile Solutions is the leading North American blow-fill-seal (BFS) sterile contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). From our 430,000 sq. ft. advanced aseptic manufacturing facility in Woodstock, Illinois, we leverage 50+ years of BFS technology leadership and our patented cold BFS process to serve clients from clinical development through commercial scale. We are committed to Proven Excellence. Trusted Solutions.

Position Overview

The Development Engineer is responsible for pre-development through scale-up and commercialization of formulations and processes for new customers and products. This role partners directly with customer scientists and engineers to bring innovative formulations into our patented blow-fill-seal (BFS) packaging platform, from early feasibility through full commercial-scale production.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with customer scientists, development, and process engineers on formulation development, feasibility, scale-up, and commercialization into blow-fill-seal (BFS) packaging, including physicochemical attributes, consistency, and manufacturability
• Demonstrate technical experience and expertise to build customer confidence in WSS's ability to produce their product
• Work under the technical direction of Senior Development Engineers, the Product Development Engineering Manager, or other subject matter experts on complex, high-visibility problems
• Provide technical direction, guidance, and mentoring for Associate Development Engineers
• Define experimental designs for process development and optimization; define, justify, and acquire required laboratory equipment and instruments
• Provide engineering technical guidance to production teams to improve key commercial processes
• Define user requirements for new equipment and hardware (stainless steel vessels, tubing, fittings, sanitary valves, filter housings, steam traps, instruments, gauges, disposable components)
• Develop scalable, robust processes that meet product specifications; assist customers in developing specifications based on feasibility and process capability data
• Collect and analyze experimental data using engineering principles and mathematical techniques, exercising independent judgment
• Define critical process parameters, operating ranges, and acceptance criteria supporting sterility assurance and process validation activities
• Support regulatory submissions and defend process-related information in customer filings, internal documents, and government audits
• Document process development activities in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (R&D notebooks, engineering studies, test runs, feasibility studies); author comprehensive product development plans
• Consult external academic and industrial resources, guidance documents, standards, and regulations as needed
• Create design concepts and basic CAD drawings/assemblies, isometrics, P&IDs, and shop drawings
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to sterile/sanitary processes, investigate problems, and support or execute corrective actions
• Act as technical subject matter expert on multi-disciplinary project teams; ensure key milestones are achieved and communicate risks to stakeholders
• Review test reports and certificates for compliance with specifications for raw materials, finished products, and vendor documentation
• Utilize Design of Experiments, Risk Assessments (e.g., FMEA), Quality by Design, and statistical tools to identify and solve problems early in the development process
• Maintain effectiveness of Quality System components relevant to the position; identify, evaluate, and communicate risk throughout the organization

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a relevant discipline required
• Master of Science or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a relevant discipline desired

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical drug product process development, or a combination of lower experience with a strong academic background
• Experience in sterile processing or liquid drug formulation preferred
• Experience with large molecule and/or biologics products is beneficial
• Experience in personal care or food science industries may be considered relevant

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of mathematics, mechanical aptitude, and statistical analysis for research and development; working knowledge of Quality by Design principles
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, both written and oral, at all levels of the organization
• Full complement of business computer literacy skills (word processing, spreadsheets, design software, database software, etc.)
• Ability to interface with technical and non-technical customer representatives, outside suppliers, and WSS management
• Ability to work independently and/or in a team environment across multiple projects; flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Ability to perform timely risk assessments and act accordingly
• Familiarity with cGMP principles or the ability to quickly learn and apply them; commitment to safe work practices
• Demonstrated bias toward action, active listening, and a willingness to share skills and knowledge with others

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in pharmaceutical manufacturing and office environments
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per day on occasion
• May be required to work in environments requiring protective gear and awareness of personal and workplace safety
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing ladders/steps, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending
• Occasional lifting or moving of manufacturing equipment
• Capable of gown and respirator certification

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Woodstock Sterile Solutions is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Woodstock Sterile Solutions employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Woodstock Sterile Solutions. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.