What are the responsibilities and job description for the ATL01-042525 Principal Manufacturing Engineer-Illinois position at Validation & Engineering Group, Inc.?
About Validation & Engineering Group (V&EG)
Validation & Engineering Group (V&EG) is a leading provider of commissioning, qualification, validation, engineering, and compliance services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and chemical industries. With a team of dedicated professionals across the United States, we partner with our clients to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service. We are currently seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to support our client in Kankakee, Illinois.
Job Summary
The Principal Manufacturing Engineer will be a key member of the Manufacturing Support Team, providing hands-on technical support to Bulk or Fill/Finish Operations. This role serves the night shift as the first line of response for process and equipment-related issues, driving resolution efforts and ensuring production continuity. The successful candidate will support investigations, process improvements, and documentation while mentoring junior team members and collaborating across departments to optimize operations.
Key Responsibilities
Validation & Engineering Group (V&EG) is a leading provider of commissioning, qualification, validation, engineering, and compliance services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and chemical industries. With a team of dedicated professionals across the United States, we partner with our clients to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service. We are currently seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to support our client in Kankakee, Illinois.
Job Summary
The Principal Manufacturing Engineer will be a key member of the Manufacturing Support Team, providing hands-on technical support to Bulk or Fill/Finish Operations. This role serves the night shift as the first line of response for process and equipment-related issues, driving resolution efforts and ensuring production continuity. The successful candidate will support investigations, process improvements, and documentation while mentoring junior team members and collaborating across departments to optimize operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as front-line technical support for manufacturing operations, troubleshooting complex equipment and automation issues.
- Lead investigations and resolution of production incidents, including major automation interventions as needed.
- Author, revise, and approve GMP documentation (batch records, procedures, work instructions, training materials).
- Own and manage quality records (deviations, incidents, CAPAs, and change controls).
- Drive and implement process improvement initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Support internal audits and external inspections; provide support for project implementation.
- Serve as a technical point of contact for process development projects and cross-functional troubleshooting.
- Provide mentoring and coaching to junior support team members.
- Support training of manufacturing staff on new processes and systems (SAP, GLIMS, etc.).
- Strong understanding of engineering principles, equipment functionality, and automation systems.
- High mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting experience.
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., cGMP, OSHA, EPA).
- Experience working in cleanroom environments is preferred.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, 24x7 operation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing will be considered.
- 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing required.
- Prior experience supporting vaccine, fill/finish, or bulk manufacturing operations strongly preferred.