Design Engineering Manager

At Hovione, we help partners turn scientific innovation into medicines that reach patients around the world. For more than 65 years, we have connected science and technology to scale complex ideas into high-quality and innovative solutions that truly make a difference.

As an international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we support the development and manufacture of drug substances, intermediates and drug products across the full life cycle. We are globally recognized for our leadership in specialized technologies such as Spray Drying and Continuous Tableting. But what truly sets us apart is not just what we do — it is how we do it: with purpose, care, collaboration and a deep commitment to doing the right things right.

Our people are the reason for our success. We are a global and diverse team of more than 2,600 team members across Europe, the USA and Asia, bringing together different experiences and perspectives to help our partners to overcome complex challenges. We believe that an inclusive environment — where everyone, regardless of background, identity or ability, is respected, heard and empowered to contribute — is essential to drive innovation, ensure quality, and secure long‑term sustainable success.

And as we grow, so do the opportunities for our people to develop, broaden their perspectives and build meaningful careers. Because at Hovione, better starts with those who choose to make a difference every day. Will you be one of them?

Job Purpose

The Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all design engineering activities, from early process design through detailed engineering, ensuring projects are technically sound, compliant with GMP and EHS requirements, cost-effective, and ready for efficient execution. This role bridges process understanding and engineering discipline coordination, guaranteeing that project designs are fit for purpose, constructible, and aligned with business and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process & Conceptual Design

• Process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass and energy balances.
• Process descriptions and basis of design.
• Preliminary equipment sizing and technology selection.
• Challenge and validate process requirements with Production, MSAT, QA, and EHS.
• Translate operational needs into robust engineering concepts.
• Ensure alignment between process intent and downstream detailed design.

2. Detailed Design Management

• P&IDs
• Equipment specifications and data sheets
• Layouts and 3D models
• Utility systems design
• Mechanical, piping, electrical, automation, and HVAC interfaces
• Ensure consistency between disciplines and elimination of design conflicts.
• Guarantee constructability, maintainability, and operability are embedded in the design.

3. Compliance & Standards

• GMP requirements
• Local and international codes and standards
• Company engineering standards and best practices
• EHS and process safety requirements (ATEX, pressure systems, chemical safety, etc.)
• Lead and support HAZOP, HAZID, and design safety reviews.
• Ensure data integrity and validation readiness are considered from design phase.

4. Project Integration

• Act as the design authority within the project organization.
• Interface with Project Managers to ensure:
  • Design deliverables are issued on time.
  • Scope, cost, and schedule are aligned with project constraints.
• Support CAPEX estimation and technical scope definition.
• Participate in contractor and vendor technical evaluations.

5. External Engineering & Contractor Management

• Manage and technically supervise:
  • External engineering companies.
  • OEMs and package suppliers.
• Review and approve contractor design deliverables.
• Ensure consistency of quality and standards across all external design partners.

6. Change Management & Design Control

• Implement strong design control processes:
  • Versioning, approvals, and change tracking.
  • Management of technical deviations and change requests.
• Ensure traceability from process requirements to final as-built documentation.

7. Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the design engineering team, typically including Process engineers, Mechanical and piping engineers,Possibly automation or utilities specialists.
• Define priorities, allocate workload, and build technical capability.
• Act as technical mentor and reference point for complex design decisions.

8. Continuous Improvement

• Improve internal design workflows, templates, and standards.
• Increase efficiency and quality of engineering deliverables.
• Promote standardization and modular design where possible.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

• 10+ years in industrial engineering, preferably in Pharmaceutical, fine chemicals, or CDMO environment.
• Process design and P&ID development.
• Equipment specification and system design.
• Multi-discipline coordination.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and external contractors.

Technical Skills

• Chemical process engineering.
• Utilities and facility systems.
• GMP facility design.
• Process safety and risk analysis.
• 3D design tools.
• Engineering document management systems.
• SAP or similar asset/project systems (nice to have).

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong technical authority with pragmatic mindset.
• Ability to challenge requirements constructively.
• Structured, disciplined, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High ownership of design quality and integrity.
• Comfortable operating between strategy and hands-on technical review.

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable accommodation or support during the application or interview process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

Notice to Agencies and Search Firms Representatives
Hovione does not accept unsolicited résumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third-party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral. Thank you for your understanding.