Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer Entry Level Jobs

Chemical Engineer/ Chemist (St. Louis, Missouri) 
Our client in the pharma industry is currently hiring a Chemical Engineer (the right Chemist may also be a fit), to join the team leading technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting, Chemical Engineer (or Chemist) that has experience with small molecule routes of synthesis, and that has performed technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting is ideal. Understanding processes developed by the synthetic chemists and the equipment needed at both lab and commercial scale is critical, pharma/ pharmaceutical experience is critical. 
Role is a Contract to Hire. Still need medical? We got you covered!  Absolutely, positively, only interested in Direct Hire? Still apply, we’ll still find the right path to hire that works for your needs. 
 
More about the Role:
We are looking for an experienced Chemical Engineer that can help our client set up small molecule pharmaceutical processes, including spec'ing equipment, interlinking equipment, identifying control systems- all in all- leading chemical technology transfer to a contract manufacturing site.  The right person will have a strong profile in chemistry, chemical mass balance capabilities, understanding reaction outcomes and impurities, and the ability balance chemical formulas.
The Chemical Engineer will focus on the development part of tech transfer, ensuring processes and equipment are correct for scaling up from bench to pilot scale, rather than just mechanical aspects. 
Key Responsibilities:
Scale-up & Tech Transfer: Convert lab procedures to scalable unit operations (reaction, crystallization, filtration, drying), author/execute transfer packages and PPQ protocols.
Continuous Manufacturing: Develop, implement, and optimize continuous processes for small-molecule APIs, ensuring robustness and regulatory compliance.
Equipment Design & Scale: Evaluate, design, and/or identify appropriate scalable equipment for lab, pilot, and commercial applications; partner with engineering to ensure fit-for-purpose systems.
 
Validation & Compliance: Lead/author process validation docs, batch records, change controls; investigate deviations/OOS and drive CAPA.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D/Analytical, QA/QC, Supply Chain, and external customers to meet timelines and CQA/CQPs.
Documentation: Write SOPs, reports, and technical summaries suitable for regulatory inspections.
 
Qualifications:
BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
3-7 years in GMP small-molecule API manufacturing/scale-up.
Bench chemistry background with strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, impurity control, and crystallization science.
Solid grasp of cGMP, data integrity, and regulatory expectations; strong technical writing.
Hands-on experience with continuous manufacturing approaches and equipment. design/selection for scale-up strongly preferred..
 
Additional Notes:
We are looking for a Scientist- Chemical Engineer or Chemist- that has experience with small molecule routes of synthesis and has performed technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting.  This includes understanding processes developed by the synthetic chemists and the equipment needed at both lab and commercial scale.  Pharma experience is very important for this position.
Industry and Scale Experience: The ideal candidate should have experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with pilot-scale operations, bridging bench-scale and large manufacturing.  We are looking for experienced Chem E's that can help set up small molecule pharmaceutical processes including spec'ing equipment, interlinking equipment, help in identifying control systems, and helping with technology transfer to a contract manufacturing site.  A Chemist or a Chemical Engineer may be a fit. 
GMP Knowledge: GMP knowledge is helpful but not a firm requirement, as nuances can be quickly learned.
Ideal Candidate Path: The ideal candidate would have started at the bench and worked their way up into an engineering role, demonstrating cross-functional experience.
 
Client is a non-profit entity in St. Louis, Missouri dedicated to delivering market-competitive commercial supply of U.S.-made active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain. They are a nonprofit/industry partnership focused on advancing domestic manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through process innovation and technology, increasing U.S. competitiveness and supply-chain resilience that actively collaborates with universities and industry to lower production costs and support the reshoring of essential generic drugs.