Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer Job Description This Principal Process Engineer role focuses on driving continuous improvement and process optimization within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

You will enhance product lifecycle performance, reduce rejects, improve right first time metrics, and ensure processes comply with internal standards and regulatory expectations.

The position requires strong technical expertise in process engineering, hands on troubleshooting, and a proven ability to lead investigations and corrective actions while collaborating closely with cross functional teams.

Responsibilities + Optimize manufacturing processes to improve product lifecycle performance, reduce rejects, and increase right first time metrics.

+ Identify, evaluate, and implement process optimization opportunities across assigned product flows.

+ Collaborate closely with production, packaging, quality, and operations teams to resolve process issues and support cross functional improvement initiatives.

+ Lead or support root cause investigations, deviations, and CAPA activities to prevent recurrence of process issues.

+ Provide first line troubleshooting for process related challenges and determine effective corrective and preventive actions.

+ Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.

+ Participate in and support Performance Centers, technician improvement initiatives (CIA), and site level process improvement strategies.

+ Document investigations, deviations, process improvements, and process changes in a clear, accurate, and compliant manner.

+ Support the implementation of new technologies, equipment, or process enhancements to improve yield, efficiency, and reliability.

+ Identify systemic process gaps and develop long term, sustainable solutions that align with site and corporate continuous improvement goals.

+ Contribute to multi site initiatives or multiple product flows by sharing best practices and standardizing processes where appropriate.

+ Leverage KPI automation, advanced analytics, or data driven monitoring tools to enhance process performance oversight.

Essential Skills + Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related field.

+ 5-10 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably pharmaceutical or related industries.

+ Ability to perform first line troubleshooting of process issues and implement effective corrective actions.

+ Hands on experience with deviations, investigations, and CAPA processes.

+ Proficiency in root cause analysis techniques to identify and resolve underlying process issues.

+ Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies, including CIA, KPI analysis, and Performance Center engagement.

+ Ability to properly document investigations, deviations, process improvements, and process changes in accordance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.

+ Experience with continuous improvement tools such as Lean and Six Sigma.

+ Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret process data and KPIs to drive operational excellence.

+ Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with production, packaging, quality, and operations teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications + Background supporting multi site initiatives or multiple product flows.

+ Experience implementing new technologies, equipment, or process enhancements in a manufacturing setting.

+ Ability to identify systemic process gaps and develop long term sustainable solutions.

+ Exposure to KPI automation, advanced analytics, or data driven process performance monitoring.

+ Experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment or other highly regulated industry.

+ Familiarity with manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement frameworks (CI, Lean, Six Sigma). Work Environment This role is based in a clean room pharmaceutical manufacturing environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and compliance.

The position follows a first shift schedule, with standard hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and some flexibility based on operational needs.

There is no overtime associated with this position.

You will work with cross functional teams and modern process monitoring tools in a facility that supports continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The organization offers an annual performance bonus, generous paid time off starting with 20 days plus personal days when hired directly, and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, mental health support, disability, life insurance, prescription drug coverage, and a variety of voluntary benefits.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market.

With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.

AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.

By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.