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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in North Carolina

Principal Process Engineer

Wilson, NC ยท On-site

$68 - $71/hr

Senior/Principal Engineer for the Large Molecule Drug Substance (LMDS) project. Duration: 2 Years ... A minimum of eight (8) years of process/plant engineering experience in GMP MFG large molecule ...

As part of the Global Process Engineering team, the Principal Engineer Process Engineer serves as the recognized technical authority and Subject Matter Expert for logistics. This role is accountable ...

Industrial Process Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$110 - $150/hr

The role involves receiving technical mentoring and guidance from a principal process engineer or subject matter expert, as well as delegating engineering or scientific calculations and drawings to ...

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Principal Process Engineer information

See North Carolina salary details

$79.1K

$136.4K

$165.9K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in North Carolina is $136,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,100.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal process engineer?

A Principal Process Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing industrial processes within a company. They lead complex projects, provide technical guidance to engineering teams, and ensure that processes meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Principal Process Engineers often collaborate with other departments to implement process improvements and solve technical challenges. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as chemical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

What is a principal process engineer?

A principal process engineer works with a team to analyze the efficiency of company processes and identify potential improvements. In this career, you usually work in a large production or manufacturing facility. You must have excellent technical, organizational, and analytical skills. Your job duties include helping management in the development of schedules, budgets, or guidelines for your department, overseeing other engineers, collaborating to support process solutions, and creating simulations, diagrams, and project plans. You also use engineering computer software to design process plans and review data to calculate constant improvements. Qualifications for a career as a principal process engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal process engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical or process engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a relevant engineering degree with substantial industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of regulatory standards are important technical assets. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful cross-functional collaboration on complex engineering projects.

How does a principal process engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Process Engineer often acts as a key liaison between engineering, operations, project management, and quality assurance teams. They lead process design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and ensure that project deliverables align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as they guide multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation phases. This collaborative role ensures that process improvements are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable across the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Principal Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee process design, and mentor teams in manufacturing or chemical plantsAssist in process design, troubleshooting, and optimization under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas companiesFound across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy

The Principal Process Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic process improvements. In contrast, the Process Engineer is more involved in supporting and executing process tasks. Both roles are essential in process industries, but the Principal Process Engineer operates at a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What job categories do people searching Principal Process Engineer jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Process Engineer jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Principal Process Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer jobs in NC?

For Principal Process Engineer jobs in NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,395 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

Principal Process Engineer

Lancesoft INC

Wilson, NC โ€ข On-site

$68 - $71/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior/Principal Engineer for the Large Molecule Drug Substance (LMDS) project.

Duration: 2 Years

Location: Wilson NC 27893

This position is to be located in Wilson, NC with domestic travel most likely once a year.

Notes from Manager:

 

- More of the SENIOR role

- Will be onsite in Wilson, NC

 

Skills:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of process/plant engineering experience in GMP MFG large molecule biologics facilities.

• Experience in green or brown field GMP MFG facility start-up including process systems, automation, utilities, facilities and operations.

• Strong technical background in Process and Manufacturing engineering, strong analytical skills to synthesize business needs, manufacturing requirements, engineering elements, and technology inputs, etc.

 

What would you consider to be the top three non-negotiable skills that you would be looking for when reviewing candidate resumes?

- Drug substance Equipment design, start-up activities, FAT

 

Description:

Position summary:

  • Support the deployment of the MTO aspiration “to innovate to safely supply quality products and services competitively, faster, always”.
  • Responsible for providing advanced engineering design and start-up of GMP large molecule biologics manufacturing facility systems, and equipment.
  • Provide integrated equipment, utility, and facility engineering expertise with an operational focus in support of technology transfer and manufacturing projects to support ‘right first time’ execution and start up.
  • Drive innovative solutions in engineering support, and process technology.
  • Coordinate with Technical Operations platform to ensure project alignment with technology standards and engineering specifications for manufacturing technology.
  • This is intended to be a general job description and should not be construed as all-inclusive.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Extensive interaction with external partners (A&E, construction firms, equipment vendors) to develop, organize and execute project plans as SME and process systems owner. The incumbent should demonstrate the following: detail and goal oriented, teamwork, customer-focus, thorough understanding of GMPs and regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as Process Engineering Expert to develop business based technology solutions and provide integrated equipment, utility, and facility engineering expertise with an operational focus to support execution of strategic and key CAPEX manufacturing projects, driving ‘right first time’ start up and execution.
  • Provide strong technical leadership and expertise for technology transfers and new technology development projects to ensure process fit to plant methodology and practices..
  • Explore and understand Technology and Manufacturing challenges and synthesize business needs, manufacturing requirements, engineering elements, and technology inputs, etc. into business solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership of multi-functional teams on many projects/ process improvements and resolves inter-functional issues.
  • High degree of collaboration with internal (manufacturing, quality, engineering) to develop standards and define project needs and priorities; as well as recruiting project team members.
  • The incumbent must also have a thorough understanding of business requirements, effective communication skills, leadership, and interdependent partnering, conflict and risk management.

Education:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's or equivalent University Degree required in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
  • MS/MBA/Ph.D. PE Certificate preferred Experience

Skills:

  • A minimum of eight (8) years of process/plant engineering experience in GMP MFG large molecule biologics facilities.
  • Experience in green or brown field GMP MFG facility start-up including process systems, automation, utilities, facilities and operations.
  • Strong technical background in Process and Manufacturing engineering, strong analytical skills to synthesize business needs, manufacturing requirements, engineering elements, and technology inputs, etc.

What would you consider to be the top three non-negotiable skills that you would be looking for when reviewing candidate resumes?

- Drug substance Equipment design, start-up activities, FAT

Company Description

LanceSoft is rated as one of the largest staffing firms in the US by SIA. Our mission is to establish global cross-culture human connections that further the careers of our employees and strengthen the businesses of our clients. We are driven to use the power of our global network to connect businesses with the right people, and people with the right businesses without bias. We provide Global Workforce Solutions with a human touch.


LanceSoft logo

About LanceSoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a Certified MBE and Woman-Owned organization. Lancesoft Inc. is one of the highest rated companies in the industry. We have been recognized as one of the Largest Staffing firms and ranked in the top 50 fastest Growing Healthcare Staffing firms in 2022. Lancesoft offers short- and long-term contracts, permanent placements, and travel opportunities to credentialed and experienced professionals throughout the United States. We pride ourselves on having industry leading benefits. We understand the importance of partnering with an expert who values your needs, which is why we're 100% committed to finding you an assignment that best matches your career and lifestyle goals. Our team of experienced career specialists takes the time to understand your needs and match you with the right job Lancesoft has been chosen by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Best Staffing Firms to Work for.LanceSoft specializes in providing Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, LPNs/LVNs, Social Workers, Medical Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long-Term Care centers, Rehab Facilities, Behavioral Health Centers, Drug & Alcohol Facilities, Home Health & Community Health, Urgent Care Clinics, and many other provider-based facilities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2000

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