Project Developer

ZETA is a globally active solutions provider that supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies in bringing vital medicines – such as insulin, infusions, and cancer treatments – to market faster and more efficiently.As an innovation leader, we combine technical expertise with digital excellence, covering everything from planning and construction to automation and qualification of customized process systems. In addition, we take on full responsibility for complex projects as an EPCMV partner, drive digital transformation, and develop sustainable strategies for decarbonization.

Project Developer

Location: Raleigh Contract: Full-time employee Start: 05.10.2026

Job Overview

The Project Developer is responsible for developing technical concepts, process solutions, and engineering deliverables during early project phases for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences. The role translates client requirements and user requirements specifications into practical project concepts, technical scopes, and proposal-ready engineering packages.

Working closely with project managers, process engineers, automation engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, fabrication and delivery teams, and external design partners, the Project Developer helps define project scope, evaluate technical alternatives, identify risks, and support successful project handover into execution. This role will also include supporting the sales and marketing team with technical expertise during customer discussions.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development and Concept Engineering

• Develop conceptual and basic engineering solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences.
• Analyze client requirements, user requirements specifications (URS), technical design criteria, site constraints, and project objectives.
• Define process and facility concepts, including process flows, equipment requirements, utility interfaces, layout considerations, and project assumptions.
• Evaluate technical options, identify engineering risks, compare alternative concepts, and recommend practical, cost-effective project solutions.
• Support feasibility studies, conceptual design studies, basic engineering packages, and front-end engineering design (FEED) activities.
• Coordinate closely with process, mechanical, automation, electrical, fabrication, and delivery teams during project development.
• Coordinate with external partners for HVAC, MEP, architectural, civil, and other specialist design disciplines as required.
• Ensure technical concepts are aligned across engineering disciplines, stakeholder expectations, client requirements, and project execution strategy.
• Support multidisciplinary design packages, technical workshops, constructability reviews, and project transition from development to execution.

Your profile

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Experience

• 5+ years of engineering and/or project execution experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences.
• Experience in conceptual design, basic engineering, project development, proposal engineering, or FEED activities.
• Experience in full execution of capital projects, engineering studies, technical proposals, or multidisciplinary project scopes.
• Familiarity with GMP-regulated environments, hygienic design expectations, and regulated manufacturing facilities is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of process engineering principles, process systems, unit operations, and manufacturing facility requirements.
• Baseline understanding of mechanical, electrical, automation, utilities, HVAC, MEP, and facility engineering interfaces.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes, including GMP equipment and environments.
• Experience with process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment sizing, process descriptions, and design basis documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for technical documentation, proposal development, estimates, and stakeholder communication.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms such as AutoCAD or similar engineering tools; BIM or 3D model review experience is an advantage.
• Understanding of project execution methodologies, engineering workflows, quality review processes, and project handover requirements.
• Knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, and related regulatory frameworks is preferred.

Personal Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and technical writing abilities.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to translate requirements into practical engineering solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, stakeholders, assumptions, and open technical issues.
• Team-oriented working style with strong collaboration across engineering disciplines and business functions.
• Proactive, innovative, and solution-driven approach to early-phase project development.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality, accuracy, and traceable engineering documentation.

We offer

Competitive PTO & vacation

• A hybrid schedule; 3 days in office, 2 remote, and free coffee in office

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Health Benefits

• Competitive PTO & vacation

• 401K with 5% employer match of annual salary
• Travel & training

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