Sr. Process Engineer (SME)

Title: Sr. Process Engineer SME – Biologics/APILocation: North Chicago IL.Hire Type: ContractShift: 1st Standard business hoursCompensation:70-80/hrBenefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.Must Have Skill Set:10+ years of process engineering experience in pharmaceutical, biologics, biotech, or API manufacturing environmentsStrong GMP manufacturing process knowledgeExperience supporting capital projects and process improvementsProcess engineering SME / technical leadership experienceStrong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skillsBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related technical disciplineOverview:We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer SME to provide technical process engineering leadership across biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing projects. This individual will serve as the primary process subject matter expert, supporting engineering teams, project managers, manufacturing operations, and technical stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The role is focused on providing technical guidance and manufacturing process expertise for capital projects, process improvements, facility expansions, equipment implementation, and operational readiness activities within GMP-regulated environments.Job Duties:Provide technical leadership and process engineering expertise across multiple manufacturing projects and initiativesServe as the primary process engineering SME supporting biologics and/or API manufacturing operationsSupport process design reviews, equipment selection, and manufacturing strategy discussionsCollaborate cross-functionally with project management, operations, quality, validation, automation, and engineering teamsReview and support process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, equipment layouts, and utility integration plansSupport manufacturing process optimization, troubleshooting, and risk mitigation activitiesParticipate in commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities as neededEnsure compliance with GMP standards, process requirements, and manufacturing best practicesProvide technical guidance during process changes, facility expansions, and technology transfer activitiesSupport communication between technical teams and project execution stakeholdersIdentify and help resolve process-related project risks and execution challengesQualifications:Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related technical discipline10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biologics, biotech, or API manufacturing environmentsStrong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GMP operationsExperience supporting capital projects and manufacturing process improvement initiativesAbility to provide technical leadership across engineering, operations, and project teamsStrong communication, stakeholder management, and technical leadership skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience supporting biologics manufacturing, including upstream/downstream processing, fermentation, or purification systemsExperience with large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing projects or facility expansionsKnowledge of commissioning, qualification, startup, and manufacturing readiness activitiesFamiliarity with process equipment, utilities, automation, and manufacturing systems integrationPrevious experience acting as a process SME or technical lead on complex manufacturing projectsEqual Opportunity Employer Statement:Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national