Cambrex
Process Engineer II

US-IA-Charles City

Job ID: 2026-5052
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Process Engineering
Cambrex - Charles City

Overview

As a Process Engineer II, you’ll build on your chemical engineering experience while continuing to receive mentorship from senior engineers and scientists who support your professional growth. In this role, you’ll operate with increasing independence, contributing your expertise across all stages of bringing new products from the laboratory to full-scale batch manufacturing. You’ll gain hands-on experience with diverse processes and unit operations such as reactions, distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate projects.

As part of a global contract development and manufacturing organization, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate directly with pharmaceutical clients worldwide and to work on multiple processes each year. This position offers clear pathways for career development, whether you choose to specialize in technical expertise, project leadership, or operations. Over time, you’ll have opportunities to advance into roles as a subject-matter expert, project manager, or operations leader — making a lasting impact on both the industry and patients worldwide.

Responsibilities

► Draft the conceptual process design for individual chemical steps including: scaling calculations for unit operations, equipment selection, and determination of operating parameters.

► Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.

► Provide technical information directly to external clients and internal stakeholders.

► Lead and participate in production campaigns for single chemical steps through planning, technical analysis, and in-person observation.

► Develop process understanding and recommend improvements through process modelling and the analysis of production and laboratory data.

► Perform quality investigations and corrective action / preventative action implementation.

► Conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.

► Draft manufacturing documents: process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, campaign reports

Qualifications / Skills

• Applied Math and Science: A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.).
• Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting: The ability to analyze data from various sources, including sensors and experiments, to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency.
• Process Simulation and Modeling: Use of software (spreadsheets, programming, simulators) to model chemical unit operations and processes.
• Process Safety and Risk Management: Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.
• Process Scale Up & Equipment knowledge: Assess equipment capability of key processing equipment (reactors, filters, heat exchangers) with respect to process fit.
• Problem-Solving: Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes and plant operations. Includes investigations.
• Technical Writing & Communication: The ability to explain technical concepts clearly and accurately to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Be meticulous and pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality. Review documents and the work of others.
• Adaptability: Adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges is important.
• Project Management, Leadership, & Mentoring: Manage one’s own assignments, meet assigned deadlines, delegate, and support others. Assist and train junior engineers.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in chemical development, chemical manufacturing, chemical engineering design, or the equivalent.
• Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, is preferred.