Project Engineer

Corporate Overview

Argonaut Manufacturing Services Inc. is a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) headquartered in Carlsbad, CA with over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space across three locations. Argonaut partners with innovative biopharmaceutical companies to support the development and commercial manufacturing of drug products. Argonaut is a full service, cost-effective partner, providing complete solutions in the areas of formulation, filling and final packaging. Argonaut provides quality and regulatory expertise to assure the highest in quality manufacturing and supply chain excellence.

Benefits and Pay Range

At Argonaut Manufacturing Services we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial future. Eligible employees enjoy:

✔ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

✔ Company-Paid Life Insurance (1x Annual Salary)

✔ Voluntary Life Insurance Options

✔ Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

✔ Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)

✔ 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching

✔ 10 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO)

✔ 10 Paid Holidays Annually

The pay range for this position is $105K - $118K annually. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as location, skills, education, experience, and other relevant qualifications.

Position Overview

The Project Engineer leads the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects supporting Argonaut's drug product manufacturing operations. Projects may span facilities, utilities, equipment, and manufacturing systems, with a focus on safety, GMP compliance, reliability, and production readiness.

This role works independently and cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Facilities, IT, and external vendors and contractors to deliver projects from concept through implementation. The Senior Project Engineer will help ensure the site has the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure needed to support safe, compliant, and reliable operations.

Work Schedule: This is an on-site, Monday–Friday position, 8 hours per day, excluding lunch. Flexible start time between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 am; consistent schedule once established. Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required based on business and project needs.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead capital and facility/equipment projects from concept through turnover, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget adherence.
• Ensure all engineering work meets regulatory, validation, and documentation standards.
• Partner with Manufacturing, QA, Facilities, EHS, and IT to align project execution with operational needs.
• Oversee external partners, negotiate scope, manage deliverables, and ensure safe, compliant execution.
• Author and manage change controls, URS, FAT/SAT protocols, commissioning, qualification, and turnover packages.
• Identify risks early, develop mitigation plans, and escalate appropriately.
• Ensure equipment and systems are ready for production, including training, SOP updates, and maintenance integration.
• Drive reliability, efficiency, and safety improvements across facilities and equipment

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business need

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related Engineering.
• 4–7 years of engineering experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading capital, equipment, or facility projects.
• Strong understanding of GMP, validation, change control, and Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q).
• Working knowledge of equipment lifecycle management and facilities/utilities systems, including HVAC, purified water, and compressed air.
• Strong project management, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Understanding of construction safety and EHS requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with drug product manufacturing, aseptic operations, or fill-finish equipment.
• Experience managing project budgets exceeding $250K.
• Experience with CMMS, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and/or project management software.
• Experience with facilities or utilities engineering.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with PMBOK, Lean, or other project management methodologies.

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Ownership: Works independently, drives clarity, and closes loops.
• Communication: Provides clear, concise updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Vendor Management: Holds vendors accountable for quality, safety, and timelines.
• Problem Solving: Applies structured, data-driven approaches to resolve issues.
• Adaptability: Performs effectively in a fast-paced environment and navigates changing priorities.
  

Argonaut Manufacturing Services, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability, or any other class protected by Federal, State or local laws. Argonaut complies will all employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and all must have the authorization to work in the US.

As a condition of employment, employees are required to review and sign certain company agreements and policies, including a confidential information agreement and an arbitration agreement for the resolution of employment-related disputes, in accordance with applicable law.

Background checks are conducted to support workplace productivity, safety, and security by ensuring applicant backgrounds and qualifications are suitable for the position being considered.

It is the policy of Argonaut Manufacturing Services, Inc., as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on finalist(s) for all positions. These checks will be job-related, consistent with business necessity, and conducted pursuant to all applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, verification with educational institutions or licensing/credentialing boards; standard criminal checks; employment verification; and other pertinent information and resources.

Employment offers will generally be made after successful completion of applicable background check(s). However, any offers of employment made prior to completion of the background check(s) shall be contingent upon successful completion of the check(s). Finalist(s) may be rejected if they provide inaccurate or untruthful information, do not fully participate in a required background check, or do not sign or complete a required form.