Senior Operations Engineer - API (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)

Location: Elkton, Virginia, United States; onsite, first-shift day schedule; 10% travel; domestic relocation indicated.

Salary: $96,200–$151,400 per year, plus annual bonus and long-term incentive eligibility where applicable.

Company

hirify.global is a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company developing health solutions and operating a new small molecule manufacturing facility focused on safe, compliant, and reliable production.

What you will do

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness for the new API small molecule facility.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders on safe, compliant plant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support for equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, optimization, and technology transfer.
• Define, implement, and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines.
• Coordinate improvement activities and key focus areas within the API Integrated Product Team using MPS and lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, visual management, and Standard Work.
• Embed best practices across shifts and functions, support safety and continuous improvement, and act as a Production Lead delegate when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in API small molecule manufacturing, including operations or technical operations, required.
• Experience in a cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
• Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams and prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, start-up, or validation activities.
• Experience in a greenfield or new-facility start-up environment.
• Experience with technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes.
• Experience applying lean tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, and Standard Work.
• Experience coordinating activities across shifts, teams, or functions.
• Experience serving as a lead, coordinator, or delegate supporting leadership continuity.
• Experience identifying improvement opportunities and implementing practical manufacturing solutions.

Culture & Benefits

• Safe, environmentally responsible, compliant, inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven workplace.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families.
• Retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate leave, and sick days.
• Flexible work arrangements are not applicable; the role is based at the Elkton facility on the first shift.

Hiring process

• Accommodation support is available during the application and hiring process.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.