freehire launches on Product Hunt on 26 August.

Follow →

Senior Process Engineer, Spray Drying

Open 60d
Serán is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer with deep spray drying expertise to develop, scale, and transfer robust processes for small molecule and complex drug products. You will lead end-to-end unit operations—from feasibility and DOE through clinical/commercial scale-up—while ensuring safety, quality (GMP), and operational excellence in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
As the system owner, the Process Engineer oversees creation and revision of equipment documentation packages, supports regulatory and client audits, and ensures alignment with cGMP expectations. They maintain a deep, data‑driven understanding of equipment performance, analyze trends to anticipate issues, and drive improvements that enhance reliability, yield, and product quality. The role collaborates closely with Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Manufacturing to coordinate spare‑parts strategies, preventative maintenance, calibration schedules, and implementation of clean‑in‑place systems. In a CDMO setting, the engineer also partners with clients and internal teams to support tech transfers, scale‑up activities, and lifecycle management of spray‑drying processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • System owner of commercial spray drying equipment, including solution preparation, spray drying, and secondary drying systems
  • Oversee creation of and revisions of equipment documentation packages
  • Assess and implement continuous improvements of spray dryer and associated unit operations driving reduced cycle times, increase yields, improve consistency; lead root cause analyses and FMEAs.
  • Collaborate with other departments on strategy and schedules for spare parts, preventative maintenance, calibration, and commissioning/qualification.
  • Collaborate with other departments on implementation and use of clean-in-place systems
  • Develop and maintain knowledge base of commercial equipment performance, and analyze trends over time
  • Design and execute DOEs/QbD studies to define CPPs/CMAs and establish robust, scalable design spaces.
  • Data analysis & documentation: write protocols/reports; maintain complete technical records; present findings to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with Formulation, Analytical, QA/RA, Manufacturing, and Facilities; provide SME support during batch execution and deviations/CAPAs.
  • Safety & compliance: champion process safety (PHA, solvent handling, inerting), and ensure GMP alignment in development and clinical manufacturing.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Expertise with common unit operations for spray drying, including solution preparation and secondary drying
  • Demonstrated experience working in and supporting GMP manufacturing lines
  • Demonstrated experience with principles of risk-based decision making and common tools for risk analysis
  • Ability to apply rigorous scientific and engineering principles to guide practical decisions
  • Working knowledge of process thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer
  • Ability to analyze complex data sets
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
  • Excellent time management skills, with an ability to prioritize and / or delegate tasks appropriately to meet deadlines
  • Ability to function in a fast-paced team environment

Education and Experience

  • BS in chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline
  • 7+ years (or more for Senior/Principal) hands-on spray drying experience in pharma/biotech or specialty chemicals.
  • Hands-on experience with facility start-up, commissioning, and equipment qualification
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements and commercial manufacturing operations

Physical Requirements

  • Work in lab/pilot-plant setting with solvents and fine powders; PPE required.
  • Ability to lift up to ~25–40 lbs occasionally; extended periods of standing during operations.
  • Some travel may be required for vendor FAT/SAT or client tech transfer (≤10%).
Compensation correlates to skills and experience presented by selected candidate. Visit to learn more about company culture and the community of Bend, Oregon.
Applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Benefits Summary:
Serán employees accrue over four weeks of paid time off annually. Employer contributions to a retirement account begin after 90 days and do not require an employee match or vesting period. Various health plans allow employees to find the best coverage for their individual or family needs with minimal employee contributions. Serán covers each employee with basic life and long-term disability, giving access to increase or add coverage. An Employee Assistance Program provides support for all things related to our employees’ wellbeing, along with access to pet insurance.
The Corporate Headquarters of Serán BioScience are located at 63047 Layton Ave, Bend, OR 97701

What this application asks

lever

Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company

  • Please upload your cover letter upload · optional
  • Have you ever worked for Serán BioScience before? choose one
  • If someone from Serán initiated contact and referred you to this role, please type their name below optional
  • Do you have experience in the pharmaceutical industry? choose one
  • Without providing dates of enrollment, can you confirm that you have completed the necessary education requirements of the position? yes / no · optional
  • Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job without reasonable accommodations? Note: We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for qualified applicants/employees to perform essential job functions. choose one
  • As of this date, can you present evidence of your identity and legal right to work in this country? choose one
  • Would you need VISA sponsorship now or in the future? choose one
  • Can you travel if the position requires it? choose one
  • Can you relocate if the position requires it? choose one
  • Have you ever been terminated from or asked to resign from a job? yes / no · optional
  • If yes, please explain: optional
  • Please indicate your desired compensation: optional
  • What is your date of availability for employment? optional
  • I certify that all statements made in connection with this application (whether contained herein (and/or any supplements) or made by me or others at my request during the course of the employment process) are true and complete in al respects. I acknowledge and agree that any incorrect, incomplete, false, fraudulent, or misleading statements made by me, either verbally or in writing, and/or any omission, concealment, or failure or answer any question fully, completely, and accurately, whether made by me or others at my request, will result in rejection of this application, denial of employment, or termination from employment if discovered after employment. choose one
  • I authorize the investigation of all matters which Serán deems relevant to my qualifications for employment, including, without limitation, work records, reference checks, education, and an investigation into my driving record. I authorize and request that all my present and former employers, references, educational institutions, and any others to furnish and release information about me, my employment record, and/or education, including a statement of reason for the termination of my employment and information regarding my work performance, disciplinary reports or actions, abilities, degrees obtained, transcripts, licenses and certifications, and other qualities and information Serán deems pertinent to my qualifications for employment. I release Serán (and all providers of information) from all claims and/or liabilities arising out of or in any way connected with Serán's background investigation. If employed, I release Serán from any claims and/or liabilites for future references it may provide regarding my work history and performance with Serán. choose one
  • I understand that if offered employment, I will be required to submit proof of my identity and legal right to work in the United States as a condition of employment. choose one
  • I understand that any job offer may be contingent on me successfully passing a criminal background check/investigation. I release Serán from all claims and/or liabilities resulting from or related to the criminal background check/investigation. choose one
  • I understand that any job offer may be contingent on me successfully passing a pre-employment drug screen. I agree to hold harmless and release Serán and its agents from all claims and/or liabilities resulting in whole or part out of the collection of specimens, testing and the appropriate use of the information from such testing. choose one
  • I understand that, if employed, my employment relationship with Serán will be at-will. Therefore, subject to applicable law, my employment may be terminated (and I may voluntarily resign) at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause or prior notice. Nothing contained in this application, or provided in connection herewith, will be construed as an offer or promise of employment, nor does this application create any employment contract or guarantee that employment or any benefit will be provided or continued for any period of time. choose one
  • Are you subject to any restrictions related to potential employment with Serán? Restrictions include noncompetition, nonsolicitation, no hire, or confidentiality. If yes, please provide an explanation (include name of company and description of restriction without disclosing any confidential or proprietary information to Serán)

See also

Tailor your CV for this role?

We couldn't check your fit for this role — add a CV to your profile to see it next time.

A new version of freehire is available