Pharmaceutical Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of rapid medical advancements, the importance of pharmaceutical engineers has never been more significant.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for innovative minds who can design, refine, and ensure the safety of our medical products escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a pharmaceutical engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner mechanics of pharmaceutical engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pharmaceutical engineer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Pharmaceutical Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Pharmaceutical Engineers apply their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and engineering to the process of developing and producing drugs.

They play a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry and are involved in all aspects of drug production, from conceptualization to testing and final production.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Designing, implementing and maintaining drug production processes
• Improving manufacturing techniques to enhance drug quality, safety and efficiency
• Collaborating with other professionals to research and develop new drugs
• Overseeing the installation, modification, upgrade and maintenance of manufacturing equipment
• Ensuring that all processes and equipment comply with industry standards and regulations
• Conducting research to develop new and improve existing drug formulations
• Developing cost-effective and environmentally-friendly drug production methods
• Testing drug products to ensure they meet quality, safety and efficacy standards
• Documenting all procedures and results, and maintaining detailed records
• Troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process and implementing solutions

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pharmaceutical Engineer to join our team.

The Pharmaceutical Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of pharmaceutical processes and products.

Their duties include using principles of biology, chemistry and physics to develop production processes, ensuring all pharmaceutical engineering projects meet safety, quality, and environmental standards, and coordinating with researchers to develop new medications.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and design processes for production in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Implement procedures, standards, and protocols for the manufacture of drugs.
• Adhere to all industry rules and regulations.
• Maintain safety and efficiency in all pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Develop new pharmaceuticals and determine their specifications and cost of production.
• Work with healthcare professionals to determine the desired qualities of drugs.
• Test the final product to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Conduct research to develop new pharmaceutical engineering processes.
• Create and implement risk management procedures.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Pharmaceutical Engineer or similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of good manufacturing practices (GMP).
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical analysis.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and safety procedures.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Education reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pharmaceutical Engineer
• Work Environment: Laboratory setting with occasional field visits. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pharmaceutical Engineering.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $145,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pharmaceutical Engineer Do?

Pharmaceutical Engineers are integral members of the pharmaceutical industry, playing key roles in the design and construction of pharmaceutical facilities.

They mainly work for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, or as independent consultants.

Their work involves the application of engineering principles to the conception, design, development, production, and operation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

They work on a variety of drug types such as tablets, capsules, injectables, and biological products.

Pharmaceutical Engineers are responsible for developing efficient, scalable, and cost-effective processes for the production of drugs.

They ensure that the manufacturing processes comply with industry standards and regulations for safety, quality, and environmental impact.

They collaborate with other professionals such as chemists, microbiologists, and regulatory affairs specialists in the development of new pharmaceutical products.

They also work with equipment manufacturers in the design and installation of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.

In addition, Pharmaceutical Engineers also play a role in troubleshooting production issues, validating the manufacturing processes, and implementing process improvements.

They often take part in quality assurance activities, ensuring that the final products meet all the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

Pharmaceutical Engineers may also be involved in the management of pharmaceutical waste and in the development of environmentally-friendly processes, contributing to the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Pharmaceutical Engineers employ a blend of technical proficiency, industry knowledge, and soft skills to design and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including:

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical process design and manufacturing, allowing for the development, enhancement, and troubleshooting of pharmaceutical processes and equipment.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to address technical and process-related issues, ensuring the consistent production of high-quality pharmaceutical products.
• Excellent attention to detail and organization to guarantee adherence to strict regulatory guidelines and quality control procedures.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with various teams such as R&D, Quality Control, and Production, as well as to prepare detailed technical reports.
• Proficient in using computer software and applications related to pharmaceutical engineering, such as simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD).
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory standards, and safety regulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Adaptability and creativity to innovate new solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing challenges.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Experience Requirements

Pharmaceutical Engineers usually require a degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field as a foundation.

However, practical experience is equally important in this field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in pharmaceutical companies or related organizations.

During this time, they gain experience in drug formulation, process development, drug manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a deeper understanding of pharmaceutical engineering principles and practices.

They may have been involved in drug product development, design, and scale-up of production processes, validation, and regulatory documentation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically well-versed in project management, and they may have led teams in the design and implementation of pharmaceutical production processes.

They may be ready for roles such as Process Engineer, Project Manager or other leadership positions within the pharmaceutical engineering field.

In addition, due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pharmaceutical industry, ongoing learning and training to stay abreast of the latest techniques, regulations, and trends in the field are crucial to progression in a pharmaceutical engineering career.

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Pharmaceutical Engineers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering or a related field.

The coursework often includes subjects like biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and engineering.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, many pharmaceutical engineers opt to pursue a Master’s degree in pharmaceutical engineering or an MBA to further specialize their skills and enhance their career opportunities.

In addition to the educational qualifications, pharmaceutical engineers also need to have a strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA regulations, process control, and quality assurance.

Many professionals in this field also obtain a certification from recognized bodies, such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), to demonstrate their expertise and commitment in the field.

Hands-on training or internships while pursuing their education can be extremely beneficial for gaining practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Continued education is also important in this rapidly evolving field, and pharmaceutical engineers are often expected to stay abreast of the latest developments and advancements in the industry.

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Pharmaceutical Engineer is $86,052 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the specific company of employment.

 

Pharmaceutical Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a pharmaceutical engineer need?

Pharmaceutical engineers need to have a strong background in chemistry and biology as well as a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry’s regulations and standards.

They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as they will often need to troubleshoot issues with drug manufacturing processes.

Additionally, excellent communication skills are important as they will need to collaborate with various teams and present their findings.

 

Do pharmaceutical engineers need a degree?

Yes, pharmaceutical engineers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, biological engineering or a related field.

Many also pursue postgraduate studies or gain additional certification in pharmaceutical engineering.

 

What should you look for in a pharmaceutical engineer’s resume?

Look for a solid educational background in a relevant field, such as chemical or biological engineering.

Check for experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in areas like drug development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.

Certifications from recognized bodies in pharmaceutical engineering can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good pharmaceutical engineer?

A good pharmaceutical engineer is detail-oriented, analytical, and has a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

They should be able to work well in a team, as pharmaceutical engineering often involves collaboration with other scientists and engineers.

They should also be adaptable and able to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and pharmaceutical research.

 

Is it challenging to hire pharmaceutical engineers?

Hiring pharmaceutical engineers can be challenging as it requires finding candidates with a specific skill set and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

The process can be simplified by focusing on candidates with a strong educational background in relevant fields and practical experience in the industry.

However, due to the specialized nature of the role, it may take longer to fill these positions compared to other engineering jobs.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true nature of a career as a pharmaceutical engineer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about developing medications.

It’s about revolutionizing healthcare, one pharmaceutical breakthrough at a time.

With our comprehensive pharmaceutical engineer job description template and real-life samples, you’re well-prepared to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every pharmaceutical solution is a part of a larger healthcare transformation.

Let’s pioneer that revolution. Together.