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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Manager, Process Development

Brighton, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... Engineering, and other cross-functional teams. The Role Reporting to the Director, Pharmaceutical Technologies , the Manager, Process Development, provides technical and people leadership for product ...

... Engineering, and other cross-functional teams. The Role Reporting to the Director, Pharmaceutical Technologies , the Manager, Process Development, provides technical and people leadership for product ...

Manager, Process Development

Brighton, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... Engineering, and other cross-functional teams. The RoleReporting to the Director, Pharmaceutical Technologies, the Manager, Process Development, provides technical and people leadership for product ...

$120K - $125K/yr

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ... The Senior Process Safety Engineer provides technical leadership for the site's Process Safety ...

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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$26

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$33

How much do pharmaceutical process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical process engineer in Michigan is $30.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.89 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pharmaceutical process engineer do?

A pharmaceutical process engineer reviews the requirement to produce a pharmaceutical product and develops a process for manufacturing. In this career, your duties vary from employer to employer but usually include tasks such as providing technical specifications for machinery and equipment, working to estimate costs for production, and undertaking a negotiation for the procurement of necessary materials and ingredients. Your responsibilities as a process engineer may include providing analysis of the process to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with relevant regulations.

What does a pharmaceutical process engineer do?

A Pharmaceutical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. They ensure that production methods are efficient, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards. Their work involves troubleshooting process problems, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with other departments to improve product quality and production efficiency. They play a critical role in scaling up laboratory processes to full-scale manufacturing while maintaining product integrity and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by pharmaceutical process engineers when scaling up production from laboratory to manufacturing scale?

Pharmaceutical Process Engineers often encounter challenges when translating lab-scale processes to full-scale manufacturing, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring process consistency, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Controlling variables like temperature, pressure, and mixing at a larger scale can introduce unforeseen issues that require innovative problem-solving. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including quality assurance, validation, and production staff—is essential to address these challenges efficiently. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial in ensuring a smooth and compliant scale-up process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmaceutical process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus), GMP standards, and quality management systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for optimizing processes and ensuring product quality. These competencies are vital for developing efficient, safe, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing processes that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Process Engineer vs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical Process EngineerPharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or related field; often includes certifications in process validationHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training or technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes in labs or production facilitiesOperate equipment, monitor production lines, and ensure quality in manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, contract manufacturing organizationsPharmaceutical manufacturing plants, biotech production facilities

The main difference is that Pharmaceutical Process Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes, requiring higher technical credentials, while Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians handle day-to-day production tasks and equipment operation. Both roles are essential in pharmaceutical production but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in MI?

For Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Process Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,896 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


West Pharmaceutical Services rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

At West, we're a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West's indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?
There's no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.
We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.
Job Summary
Organize, coordinate, and implement process improvement activities that support and/or improve safety, yields, quality, cost effectiveness, and throughput of our processes. This includes using formal process improvement tools, and validation of new/modified processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assume full responsibility for various Process Engineering projects as assigned. Projects will focus on improvements to safety, yields, quality, cost effectiveness, and throughput. Projects may include implementation of new equipment and methods, or the improvement of existing equipment and methods.
  • Fully define projects via specifications or drawings. Follow-up on new and revised improvements to ensure proper implementation. Operate within approved time schedules and project budgets.
  • Apply formal problem solving tools, including application of Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, DOE, and other similar continuous improvement concepts.
  • Support the development, transfer, and improvement of products and processes to support the company's global strategies.
  • Support projects and initiatives stemming from Global Process Engineering team. Provide reliable and timely communication with global colleagues.
  • Consult and cooperate with corporate/customer/supplier personnel as authorized and required. Maintain effective communication and working relationships.
  • Instruct and train West Pharmaceutical Services personnel in the use of any special equipment that may be required after project completion.
  • Maintain accurate project records, engineering records, and other controlled documentation. Review and revise procedures to ensure they reflect the most effective means and contain the most current and correct information.
  • Lead the way in supporting the plant's efforts in meeting corporate and plant goals.
  • Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.

Education
  • Bachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or similar

Work Experience
  • 3-5+ years of professional experience in an equivalent role such as a Process Engineer
  • Injection Molding / Plastics experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience in a Automotive/Pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or Green Belt with solid track of lean improvements)
  • Knowledge of cGMP.
  • Ability of authoring/revising SOIs, SOPs and validation documents
  • Must have excellent written and verbal skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills: good team player and individual contributor as well

Travel Requirements
10%: Up to 26 business days per year
Physical Requirements
  • Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations.
  • Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize.
  • Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts.
  • Ability to make independent and sound judgments.
  • Use written and oral communication skills
  • Read and interpret data, information and documents
  • Analyze and solve problems
  • Observe and interpret situations
  • Learn and apply new information or new skills
  • Operate in both office and manufacturing environments
  • Ability to work in both hot and cold environments.
  • Ability to repetitively lift 35 pounds.

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.

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