Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems (JP15269)

Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems3 Key Consulting is hiring a Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.This role serves as an Equipment Sr. Engineer supporting manufacturing in the Thousand Oaks Pilot Plant (non-GMP environment). The engineer is responsible for the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of assigned process equipment (e.g., bioreactors, chromatography skid, single-use and stainless systems).The position provides day-to-day onsite technical support to operations, with emphasis on troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and data-driven decision-making.

The engineer partners closely with Operations and support functions to guide technical decisions during equipment issues, process changes, and system improvements, without directly operating equipment.This role also supports preventive maintenance strategy, asset management (e.g., Maximo), and new equipment introduction, ensuring systems are effectively integrated and maintained for evolving process needs. Additionally, the engineer is expected to identify opportunities to leverage digital tools and AI to enhance troubleshooting, reliability, and workflow efficiency.This role requires independence, technical depth, a strong reliability mindset, and effective cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced development environment.Top Must Have Skills:Equipment Troubleshooting & RCA: Can independently diagnose issues and clearly explain root cause and resolutionSystem Ownership & Reliability: Experience owning equipment, managing PMs, and improving reliability using dataCross-Functional Communication: Works effectively with Ops, Maintenance, and support teams; communicates clearly during issuesDay to Day Responsibilities:Provide engineering support for bioprocess equipment including systems such as bioreactors, chromatography skids, TFF/UFDF, cleaning, single-use and stainless systems to ensure reliable operationTroubleshoot equipment issues, lead root cause analysis, and implement solutions to improve performance and reliabilityIdentify and mitigate equipment risks (e.g., failure modes, obsolescence) and drive proactive improvementsApply engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, fluid systems, piping, electrical, process controls) to evaluate and resolve issuesUtilize Maximo (or similar CMMS) to manage work orders, track asset history, and support maintenance planningAnalyze system and process data using engineering and statistical methods (e.g., trend analysis, SPC) to support decision-making and continuous improvementSupport equipment design, commissioning, startup, and system integration for new or modified systemsTranslate process and operational needs into engineering solutions and documentationCollaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Instrumentation, Facilities, and Process DevelopmentManage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environmentIdentify and implement opportunities to leverage digital tools and AI to improve efficiency and troubleshootingApply appropriate GMP awareness where relevant while operating effectively in a non-GMP pilot plant environmentLead or support small scope engineering projects, including planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination, to address operational needs and drive continuous improvementMaintain a consistent on-site presence to support daily operations, with flexibility to provide weekend shift coverage and after-hours support as neededBasic Qualifications:Doctorate degree OR Masters degree and 2 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience OR Associates degree and 8 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 10 years of experienceRed Flags:Superficial troubleshooting (can't explain what they did)No ownership experience (only "supported" work, no accountability)Poor cross-functional mindset (blames others, lacks coordination examples)No CMMS/Maximo exposureInability/non-committal to relocate and work onsiteNot data-driven (no use of trends/metrics)Cannot speak to resume in detailNo work experienceInterview Process:1. Phone Screening with Hiring Manager2.

Video Panel Interview with Engineer team3. Video Panel Interview with Manager team