Job Title: Principal Equipment Engineer - Spray Drying Specialist
¿Es este el puesto que está buscando? Si es así, siga leyendo para obtener más detalles y no olvide enviar su solicitud hoy mismo.
Location: Valencia, Spain
Applications to be sent to:
Department
Operations
Position Summary
We are seeking a senior-level equipment-focused engineer, ideally in a pharma environment, to serve as the technical authority for spray drying systems, with primary responsibility for equipment architecture, component selection, mechanical and systems engineering, qualification, and lifecycle support in GMP-regulated environments.
This role is dedicated to hardware, utilities, automation interfaces, and validation, ensuring that spray drying systems are fit-for-purpose, compliant, and scalable, from vendor design through routine commercial operation.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Architecture & Part Selection
* Define and own spray drying system architecture across lab, pilot, and commercial scales.
* Lead selection and specification of critical equipment components, including:
* Atomizers and nozzles
* Feed pumps, tubing, valves, and seals
* Drying chambers, cyclones, bag filters, and exhaust systems
* Powder collection, discharge, and containment hardware
* Evaluate materials of construction (e.g., stainless steel grades, elastomers, coatings) for GMP compliance, cleanability, chemical compatibility, and durability.
* Approve equipment BOMs, P&IDs;, mechanical drawings, and layout designs.
Mechanical, Utilities & Systems Engineering
* Lead or support mechanical design reviews, hazard and operability studies and risk assessments from an equipment perspective.
* Define utilities and infrastructure requirements (HVAC, compressed air, nitrogen, steam, CIP/SIP, electrical).
* Ensure proper integration of spray drying equipment with facility systems and containment solutions.
* Support capital projects, equipment installation, and site acceptance activities.
Qualification, Validation & Compliance
* Lead and/or approve equipment qualification activities (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ) for spray drying systems.
* Define critical equipment parameters (CEPs) and ensure traceability to user requirements and risk assessments.
* Ensure equipment design and operation meet GMP, data integrity, and regulatory expectations.
* Support audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions related to equipment design and validation.
Supplier and Project Management
* Act as primary technical interface with spray dryer manufacturers, component suppliers, engineering firms, and integrators.
* Lead FAT/SAT planning and execution, including review of test protocols and acceptance criteria.
* Manage technical aspects of change control, deviations, and CAPAs related to equipment.
* Support procurement, installation, commissioning, and long-term equipment lifecycle management.
Manufacturing & Lifecycle Support
* Provide advanced equipment troubleshooting during GMP manufacturing campaigns.
* Lead root cause investigations for equipment-related failures or performance issues.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, maintainability, and compliance.
* Establish and maintain equipment standards, spare part strategies, and preventive maintenance requirements.
Required Qualifications
Education
* MSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or related discipline
Experience
* 10+ years of experience in regulated equipment engineering roles.
* Demonstrated leadership in:
* Spray drying equipment design and specification
* Component and part selection
* Equipment qualification and validation
* Experience working in GMP manufacturing environments will be an added value.
* Languages: Fluent English and Fluent Spanish.
* Personal skills: Resolution, good organizational skills, persistency and autonomy. Able to work independently, prioritize and meet project timelines, be strongly self-motivated and able to motivate a team. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing demands.
Technical Expertise
* Deep understanding of:
* Spray dryer mechanical design and airflow systems
* Powder handling, containment, and clean-in-place (CIP)
* Instrumentation, automation interfaces, and control systems (from an equipment standpoint)
* Hands-on experience with commercial spray drying platforms and custom-built systems. xqysrnh
* Working knowledge of GMP and ICH guidelines relevant to equipment will be an added value.