Senior Pilot Plant Engineer – Beerse/Geel, Belgium We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Pilot Plant Engineer located in Beerse/Geel, Belgium (hybrid) in our Chemical Process Research and Development (CPRD) team.
Purpose We operate pilot plants that support the development and scale‑up of new chemical processes and the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for clinical trials. In this role, you combine hands‑on pilot plant engineering with advanced process modeling and digital solutions to accelerate scale‑up and enable data‑driven process performance across pilot plants.
Responsibilities Process Scale‑Up & NPI Support Represent pilot plants in New Product Introduction (NPI) projects in close collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
Lead scale‑up activities from lab to pilot scale, including process transfer, troubleshooting and process optimization.
Drive plant readiness for NPI introductions in alignment with process safety, quality and technical requirements.
Process Modeling & Digital Solutions Develop, deploy and scale mechanistic, hybrid or data‑driven models to support process design, scale‑up and performance.
Integrate models into plant systems and apply model‑driven insights to optimize pilot plant operations.
Collaborate with Chemical Process R&D teams, data engineers, automation teams and PAT specialists to ensure robust data flows and model lifecycle management.
Build a strong understanding of pilot plant environments through onboarding and training; be flexible to work across Beerse and Geel.
Education and Experience Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent expertise demonstrated through impactful project contributions.
A degree (MS/PhD) in chemistry, chemical engineering, bio‑engineering or equivalent experience in chemical operations or development.
Required Skills Experience with PAT tools and/or process simulation software (e.g. Dynochem, Aspen, gPROMS).
Experience with scientific programming or data science (e.g. Python, R, Julia) applied in process development or manufacturing environments.
Background in chemical development operations environment, with a strong focus on technology and process improvement.
Strong safety, quality and compliance approach; understanding of Process Safety Management and cGMP requirements is an asset.
Proven ability to manage numerous projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
Hands‑on experience with process modeling and data analytics in an industrial setting, including deployment of solutions in practice.
Good understanding of data flows, PAT systems and integration into process control or monitoring environments.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical solutions.
Preferred Skills Agile Decision Making, Coaching, Critical Thinking, Emerging Technologies, Engineering, Problem Solving, Process Control, Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Product Costing, Product Improvements, Research and Development, SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Situational Awareness, Technical Research, Technical Writing, Technologically Savvy, Vendor Selection.
Benefits Competitive salary with a base pay range of €72,500.00 – €115,230.00.
Annual bonus with a set target (% of pay) that depends on performance.
Vacation days, parental leave (minimum 12 weeks), bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave.
Well‑being reimbursement and programs for financial, physical and mental health.
Service anniversary and recognition awards.
Insurance plans – group medical, dental, vision, life, income protection, etc.
Equal Opportunity Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any other characteristic protected by law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform important job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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