Process Engineer at Serán BioScience – Bend, Oregon

Process Engineer

Sern BioScience is seeking a Process Engineer to play a critical role in facility start-up, commissioning of process systems, and operational readiness for our new commercial manufacturing operations. This position will ensure that all systems, equipment, and workflows are designed, installed, and commissioned to meet cGMP standards and support efficient, compliant production. Beyond the initial launch phase, this individual will be instrumental in sustaining manufacturing operations by driving long-term operational excellence. This includes leading continuous improvement (CI) projects to ensure that all systems, equipment, and workflows remain efficient, compliant with cGMP standards, and capable of meeting evolving production demands.Duties and Responsibilities

• Facility & Process System Start-Up
• Lead design and engineering activities associated with process equipment for new installations and/or continuous improvements
• Lead engineering activities for facility process systems through design, installation, and commissioning, including CIP, purified water, solvent distribution, and compressed gases
• Oversee process equipment installation, commissioning, and qualification (URS, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure timely and compliant start-up of manufacturing systems
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, risk assessments, and readiness checklists
• Process Design & Optimization
• Design and refine commercial-scale manufacturing processes for oral solid dosage forms and enabling technologies
• Perform capacity analysis, cycle time studies, and throughput modeling to ensure production efficiency
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve process reliability
• Conduct formal risk assessments for existing process system to proactively mitigate quality and safety risks
• Operational Readiness
• Drive readiness activities for commercial launch, including supporting process validation and GMP documentation
• Partner with Validation, QA, and Manufacturing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Support tech transfer from development to commercial scale
• Collaborate with the Facilities and Maintenance teams to establish preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for process systems
• Draft and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operation, cleaning, and troubleshooting of new process systems
• Continuous Improvement
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and efficiency improvements without compromising quality
• Participate in deviation investigations and CAPA implementation
• Serve as the primary technical process system owner to ensure stable and robust manufacturing
• Project Management
• Contribute to project timelines, resource planning, and budget adherence
• Facilitate cross-functional project meetings and provide regular status updates to senior leadership
• Provide engineering input during client audits and regulatory inspections
• Proactively identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies

Skills, Abilities and Education Requirements

• Required
• BS/MS in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering, or industrial engineering
• Hands-on experience with facility start-up, commissioning, and equipment qualification
• Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements and commercial manufacturing operations
• Proficiency in process modeling, workflow analysis, and Lean/Six Sigma tools
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• 
  
• Preferred
• Experience with oral solid dosage forms and enabling technologies (e.g., spray drying, blending, granulation, tableting, encapsulation, & tablet coating)
• Familiarity with facility design for regulated environments
• Knowledge of ERP/MES systems and digital manufacturing tools
• Project engineering experience in a regulated industry

• Core Competencies
• Analytical problem-solving and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Continuous improvement mindset

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and moving throughout a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to lift fifteen pounds at times
• Adheres to consistent and predictable in-person attendance

Compensation correlates to skills and experience presented by selected candidate. Visit https://www.seranbio.com/careers to learn more about company culture and the community of Bend, Oregon.
Applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Benefits Summary:Sern employees accrue over four weeks of paid time off annually. Employer contributions to a retirement account begin after 90 days and do not require an employee match or vesting period. Various health plans allow employees to find the best coverage for their individual or family needs with minimal employee contributions. Sern covers each employee with basic life and long-term disability, giving access to increase or add coverage. An Employee Assistance Program provides support for all things related to our employees wellbeing, along with access to pet insurance.
The Corporate Headquarters of Sern BioScience are located at 63047 Layton Ave, Bend, OR 97701