Scientific Principal Engineer (Manufacturing Sciences and Technology)

Location: Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium; onsite work at the Drug Product Pilot Plant. Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time is required.

Base pay: €79,800–€137,770 per year, plus bonus and benefits.

Company

Johnson & Johnson MedTech develops healthcare and pharmaceutical solutions, including innovative medicines and medical technologies.

What you will do

• Manage clinical manufacturing activities for synthetic-molecule drug products in the internal pilot plant and external CMO network.
• Represent Pharmaceutical Supply and Engineering Sciences in drug product development and clinical supply chain teams.
• Lead lean, right-first-time process introduction and manufacturing readiness for pilot-plant and CMO operations.
• Coordinate scale-up and technology-transfer preparation from pilot-plant processes to commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Own relationships with one or more external CMOs, project critical paths, risks, corrective actions, and dedicated budgets.
• Establish and review manufacturing instructions and specifications while improving workflows and process-development operations.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemical or mechanical engineering, or a related pharmaceutical or biotechnology discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical development or engineering.
• Experience with oral solid dosage, liquid, and/or parenteral manufacturing, including technologies such as spray drying, extrusion, and continuous manufacturing.
• Knowledge of regulated environments, FDA standards, GMP guidelines, risk management, qualification, validation, and change management.
• Strong coordination, collaboration, influencing, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently under challenging timelines.
• Fluent English, written and spoken, is required.

Nice to have

• Basic understanding of process analytical technologies and advanced data science tools.
• Proficiency in Dutch.
• Experience with innovative pilot-plant manufacturing platforms and SAP Product Lifecycle Management.

Culture & Benefits

• International, cross-functional environment focused on continuous learning and professional growth.
• On-site sports facilities, health programs, and family benefits.
• Vacation days, parental leave of at least 12 weeks, bereavement, caregiver, and volunteer leave.
• Well-being reimbursement and programs supporting financial, physical, and mental health.
• Annual bonus, insurance plans where applicable, service anniversary awards, and recognition programs.