Process Development Associate Process Engineering Sterile Manufacturing

Process Development Associate – Process Engineering & Sterile Manufacturing Location: Hybrid – North Chicago/Lake County, IL 60064 Contract: 1 year, with potential for extension Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard business hours Pay: $20–$23/hour Benefits: Medical benefits available at a cost About the Opportunity We are seeking an early-career Associate Scientist/Lab Technician II to support process engineering, continuous improvement, and laboratory activities within a sterile drug product manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, process-focused position—not a traditional analytical chemistry role. Approximately 50% of the role will focus on process engineering and 50% on continuous improvement and laboratory support. You will help conduct laboratory studies, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, evaluate process changes, and prepare technical reports summarizing experimental outcomes. Recent graduates with relevant laboratory experience are encouraged to apply. Previous pharmaceutical or manufacturing experience is preferred, but applicable internships, academic research, validation exposure, or technical operations experience will also be considered. What You’ll Do Support laboratory studies involving sterile drug product processes, including formulation and filtration activities. Assist with process engineering and continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve quality, yield, throughput, cycle time, capacity, and cost. Investigate manufacturing and process-related challenges using structured problem-solving and scientific principles. Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Use statistical tools such as Minitab to support process monitoring and data analysis. Participate in change-request assessments and evaluate the potential impact of process, material, or technology changes. Write technical reports, scientific summaries, justification memos, protocols, and other documentation describing laboratory studies and experimental outcomes. Support process validation activities, including operational changes, new raw materials, and the introduction of new processes or technologies. Assist with experimental, demonstration, and validation lots. Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory and manufacturing documentation. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operational Excellence, and EHS teams. Provide responsive laboratory and technical support for changing manufacturing priorities and time-sensitive activities. Follow applicable GMP, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. What We’re Looking For Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline. Degrees in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering , or a related field are especially relevant. Previous hands-on laboratory experience through employment, internships, co-ops, or academic research. Interest in process engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, validation, technical operations, or continuous improvement. Ability to document experiments and communicate scientific findings through clear technical reports and memos. Strong organizational skills and the ability to adjust priorities in a dynamic, responsive environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively after completing training. Preferred Qualifications Experience or internship exposure within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated manufacturing. Familiarity with sterile or aseptic manufacturing processes. Exposure to GMP requirements, process validation, technical operations, or manufacturing support. Experience with formulation, filtration, process troubleshooting, statistical process control, or Minitab. A combination of laboratory and manufacturing experience. Who Will Be Most Successful? This opportunity is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career scientific professional who enjoys solving process-related problems and wants to build experience within sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing. The successful candidate will be flexible, responsive, comfortable supporting last-minute laboratory activities, and capable of becoming increasingly independent after completing the initial training period. Candidates relocating to the area may be considered but must be able to relocate at their own expense. Interview Process The interview process will include two virtual rounds, with a panel interview during the final stage. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. People are our business worldwide Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment