Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying

Location: Elkton, Virginia, United States of America. Full-time, onsite, day shift. Domestic relocation is listed; travel requirements are 10%.

Base salary: $96,200–$151,400 per year, plus annual bonus and long-term incentive if applicable.

Company

hirify.global is a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company developing health solutions for the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

What you will do

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness for the new Small Molecule Spray Drying and SDI manufacturing facility.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and other functions to support safe, compliant, and effective plant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support during equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Support technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes.
• Define, implement, and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines for reliable operations.
• Coordinate improvement activities, apply MPS and lean tools, embed best practices across shifts and functions, and act as a delegate for the Production Lead 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 Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or related Spray Drying manufacturing experience.
• Experience working 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, with the ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.
• Ability to 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.
• Focus on quality, safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families.
• Retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate leave, and sick days.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.