Plant Process Engineer
Plant Process Engineer – Contract (12 Months) Location: Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Hourly Rate: CHF 80–85
Sector: Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing
We are currently seeking an experienced Plant Process Engineer to support manufacturing and engineering operations at a leading pharmaceutical production site in Neuchâtel. This is a 12-month contract role, offering the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, GMP-regulated biotech environment with high technical exposure.
Role Overview As Plant Process Engineer, you will provide hands-on engineering expertise to support and continuously improve site operations, ensuring uninterrupted production while maintaining full compliance with cGxP, GMP, safety, and engineering standards. You will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned bulk production installations and play a key role in investigations, optimisations, equipment upgrades, and site projects
Key Responsibilities:
1. Act as primary technical SME for assigned production equipment and systems
2. Provide engineering support for investigations, recurring issues, modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives
3. Lead and/or support design, installation, commissioning, and qualification activities
4. Ensure equipment and systems remain fit for use; proactively identify risks and improvement opportunities
5. Coordinate and organise corrective actions, modifications, and upgrades
6. Ensure compliance with cGMP, GEP, SUVA/ASIT, and internal engineering standards
7. Support site and cross-functional projects of varying complexity
8. Participate as system expert in internal and external audits
9. Ensure all activities meet health, safety, and environmental requirements
Technical Scope:
You will work primarily within Bulk Production areas, supporting equipment and systems including:
10. Bioreactors
11. Chromatography systems
12. Filtration systems (including UF/DF and filter testing)
13. Process piping and instrumentation
14. CIP and SIP systems
15. Process vessels and storage tanks
16. Autoclaves
Project-Specific Responsibilities (NFA Project):
17. Support protocol execution and documentation review
18. Manage and follow up on punch lists
19. Troubleshoot technical and commissioning issues
Education & Experience:
20. Engineering degree (BSc, MSc, or equivalent) in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Food Processing, or Mechanical Engineering
21. 7+ years’ experience in Pharma/Biotech (Process Engineering, Plant Engineering, or Manufacturing)
22. Strong experience with installation, commissioning, and validation of pharmaceutical process equipment
23. Experience with automation systems (Siemens and/or Allen Bradley) is a strong advantage
24. Maintenance and utilities experience is considered an asset
Knowledge & Skills:
25. Strong knowledge of GEP, cGxP, FDA, ISPE, ASTM 2500, ASME BPE standards
26. Fluent in English and French (spoken and written); German is a plus
27. Strong problem-solving and technical learning capability
28. Team-oriented, action-driven, and comfortable in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
29. Proficient with MS Office and MS Project
What’s on Offer:
30. Competitive CHF 80–85/hour contract rate
31. 12-month contract with potential extension
32. High-impact role within a regulated, cutting-edge biotech facility
33. Dynamic, collaborative engineering environment
Please reach out to Adrien Guimard or Rob Angrave at CK QLS
for more information +41 (0) 444 990 468. Please note all applicants must have a valid Swiss work permit or hold EU citizenship.