CHIEF ENGINEER

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IMA Group is a global leader in the development and production of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee products. We are constantly oriented towards innovation, thanks to significant investments in R&D and a constant dialogue with customers, the territory and local suppliers. We promote an environmentally friendly attitude towards achieving sustainable development. Our history is characterized by a constant growth, realized also with the continuous investment on the development of people and their skills. We are over 7,000 employees, 59% in Italy and 41% in the rest of the world, present in more than 80 countries.

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IMA Life North America is a company within the IMA Group that specialises in providing aseptic processing and freeze-drying solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. IMA Life North America is part of IMA Life, a business unit focusing on the pharmaceutical sector who delivers advanced technologies for filling, lyophilisation and isolation, ensuring maximum sterility and product integrity for customers around the globe. 

JOB SUMMARY

• Lead engineering activities on complex capital equipment projects ranging from $1–10 million, ensuring technical compliance with customer User Requirements Specifications (URS).
• Prepare Functional Specifications (FS) in accordance with contract documents; act as process owner for P&IDs to ensure equipment performance meets URS.
• Coordinate engineering activities to support project deliverables, including planning and tracking all engineering submittals.
• Work with Engineering Supervisors to define and plan project engineering tasks; serve as a key engineering representative on assigned projects.
• Communicate and coordinate engineering deliverables across all project team members.
• Approve engineering documents including P&IDs, GAs, FRS, HDS, block diagrams, P&ID/electrical schematic cross‑checks, FV, EV, P&IDV, and safety sections of manual sets.
• Chair internal design reviews in accordance with the Project & Quality Plan (PQP).
• Control the Interface Control Document (ICD) to ensure proper integration with loading systems.
• Prepare traceability matrices for GAMP compliance.
• Interface with customers to resolve design‑related technical issues for freeze dryers; manage control and release of proprietary information.
• Prepare test protocols per URS and lead resolution of process‑related issues during testing to ensure equipment performance requirements are met.
• Identify scope creep and support the Project Manager in analyzing cost and schedule impacts.
• Support departmental projects, standards development, and best‑practice initiatives.
• Provide input to Engineering Supervisors for evaluation of department staff performance.
• Consistently observe and promote SHEQ requirements for self, department personnel, contractors, visitors, and guests.

This role requires extensive experience with freeze‑drying equipment and lyophilization systems used in the pharmaceutical industry.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• BS degree required, with minimum 6 years of related experience specifically on pharmaceutical lyophilization systems or freeze‑drying machinery.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to independently plan and manage workload.
• Experience in technical liaison and communication with internal departments, vendors, and customers (written and verbal).
• Computer skills adequate to support engineering responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of lyophilization processes and freeze‑dryer manufacturing.

WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU A GREAT FIT

• Availability to work overtime as needed.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Flexibility to support additional departmental tasks and initiatives.

SALARY RANGE

• $82,000 - $100,000
• Bonus

WHAT WE OFFER

• GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT: A dynamic and innovation-driven workplace, part of a multinational and multicultural group.
• DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CULTURE: Promoted through the Corporate Code of Ethics and dedicated programs.
• CONTINUOUS LEARNING: We view learning as a strategic lever for growth and motivation. We support internal training and external development initiatives.
• WELLBEING:  We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and tuition assistance. As well as an annual bonus.

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IMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.