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Operational Readiness Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap ... Qualifications and Experience: - BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent ...

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap ... Qualifications and Experience: - BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent ...

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap ... Qualifications and Experience: - BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent ...

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Operational Readiness Engineer information

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$135K

How much do operational readiness engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational readiness engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational readiness engineer do?

An Operational Readiness Engineer is responsible for ensuring that new systems, facilities, or processes are fully prepared for safe and efficient operation before they go live. This includes coordinating testing, training staff, developing procedures, and verifying that all operational requirements are met. They work closely with project managers, engineers, and operations teams to identify potential issues and mitigate risks. Their goal is to ensure a smooth transition from project completion to ongoing operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational readiness engineer?

To thrive as an Operational Readiness Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and project management, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), Six Sigma methodologies, and readiness assessment frameworks is frequently required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills help you coordinate effectively across multiple teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring new systems or processes are fully prepared for smooth and reliable operational launch.

How does an operational readiness engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project rollouts?

Operational Readiness Engineers work closely with project managers, IT staff, and operations teams to ensure new systems or processes are ready for deployment. They facilitate communication between technical and non-technical groups, identify potential operational risks, and coordinate readiness assessments. This role often involves organizing training sessions, developing support documentation, and participating in go-live activities to ensure a smooth transition. Effective collaboration is essential to address challenges and align all stakeholders toward successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Operational Readiness Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectOperational Readiness EngineerMaintenance Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in project management or safetyTechnical diploma or degree in engineering or technical field, certifications in maintenance or safety
Work EnvironmentPre-commissioning, startup, and operational phases of projectsOngoing equipment maintenance and repair in operational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, manufacturing, energy sectors during project startupManufacturing, utilities, facilities management across various industries

The Operational Readiness Engineer focuses on preparing facilities for operation, ensuring systems are ready and safe before startup. Maintenance Engineers handle ongoing equipment upkeep and repairs during operational phases. While both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, their primary responsibilities differ in project phase focus and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Readiness Engineer jobs?

For Operational Readiness Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Operational Readiness Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Raleigh, NC • On-site

CAI
See more jobs at CAIexternal

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

CAI Overview:
Are You Ready?
CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown to over 700 people worldwide. We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries.
We put our clients’ interests first, we do not stop until it is right, and we will do whatever it takes to get there.
At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles:
We act with integrity
We serve each other
We serve society
We work for our future
We believe that with employee ownership, one person’s success is everyone’s success. We embrace a Team Before Self mindset, demonstrate Respect for Others, and maintain a Can-Do Attitude—our three core values.
 
Position Overview:
The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap between mechanical completion and sustained operational performance. The ORPM designs and leads holistic Operational Readiness programs using CAI’s six-pillar Readiness Framework. This role ensures project teams achieve right-first-time metrics, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver world-class performance from day one.
 
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project & Program Leadership
- Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives.
- Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1–3 client engagements simultaneously.
- Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs.
 
2. Pillar Integration & Execution
- Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams.
- Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving).
 
3. Client Advisory
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.).
- Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset.
 
4. People Development
- Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors.
- Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth.
 
5. Thought Leadership
-Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools.
 
Skills & Characteristics Required:
- Consulting & Facilitation
- Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals.
- Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership.
- Project Execution
- Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout.
- Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
 
Qualifications and Experience:
- BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent).
- 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or
- 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations.
(Black Belt or equivalent preferred.)
- Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience.
- Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient in project management software tools.
 
Other Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal English communication.
- Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
- Willing to work overtime when necessary.
- PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus.
 
Critical Competencies
Influence Strategy
- Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies.
- Identifies innovative solutions to challenges that have strategic impact, balancing both short- and long-term concerns.
- Identifies issues related to emerging customer and market needs.
 
Satisfy the Customer
- Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs.
- Develops solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations and shares feedback with relevant groups.
- Consistently follows up with customers to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Continually searches for ways to improve customer service, including removal of barriers and providing solutions.
 
Plan for Success
- Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups.
- Obtains and allocates resources needed to accomplish goals.
- Anticipates risk and builds effective contingency plans.
 
Pursue Execution
- Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals.
- Holds self and others accountable for achieving outcomes. 
- Anticipates obstacles and takes appropriate actions to accelerate work or improve quality.
 
Tailor Communication
- Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
- Tailors communication style and content to audience effectively.
- Writes technical concepts clearly and thoroughly for all audience types.
 
Build Partnerships
- Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization.
- Builds collaboration by identifying and conveying common interests and priorities, removing barriers, and breaking down silos.
- Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them.
- Maintains positive relationships regardless of challenges, organizational level, personality, or background differences.
 
Influence Others
- Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions.
- Builds a broad base of support among key decision makers and influencers.
- Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others.
·  Encourages others to find new solutions that improve outcomes and deliver value.
 
Develop Self and Others
- Continuously develops interpersonal skills to build effective internal and external relationships.
·  Models company values and always acts with integrity.
·  Looks for opportunities to develop breakthrough ideas and initiatives.
Average base salary range - not including benefits, and potential overtime and/or Cost of Living Adjustment.
 
CAI Benefits:
•Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage
•24 days of Paid Time Off
•Company paid Life Insurance
•Company paid Long Term Disability
We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all – our employees, our customers, and the broader society.
 
This job description is not all inclusive and you may be asked to do other duties. CAI will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Act (FCA) / Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO). 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.