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Process Engineer Black Utilities (m/f/d) - Job Opportunity at Hays

Visp, Switzerland
Contract
Senior
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
CHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000 per year (approximately USD 98,000 - USD 142,000). This estimate reflects the high-demand nature of pharmaceutical process engineering in Switzerland, the specialized skillset required, and the premium associated with contract positions in the Swiss pharmaceutical corridor.

Benefits

Opportunity to work within a global engineering team on high-impact pharmaceutical projects, providing exposure to international best practices and complex manufacturing processes
Access to advanced automation and digital qualification platforms, enhancing technical expertise in cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies
Direct involvement in innovative pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, contributing to life-saving drug production and regulatory compliance
Collaborative and dynamic work environment fostering professional growth and cross-functional teamwork

Key Responsibilities

Lead development and verification of strategic project concepts including comprehensive feasibility studies that directly impact pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency and compliance
Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration with internal and external engineering teams across electrical, civil, HVAC, fire protection, and 3D planning domains to ensure integrated project delivery
Ensure strict adherence to pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and internal quality guidelines throughout all project development phases, maintaining GMP compliance
Orchestrate complete plant design lifecycle from conceptualization through successful operational start-up, ensuring seamless technology transfer
Manage complex 3D coordination processes, resolve critical design conflicts, and implement engineering solutions that optimize manufacturing workflows
Oversee comprehensive commissioning and system acceptance protocols ensuring pharmaceutical-grade operational readiness
Execute integral testing procedures and manage technical documentation handover to end users, ensuring knowledge transfer and operational continuity
Facilitate ownership transfer of manufacturing systems to operations teams, ensuring sustainable long-term performance
Develop critical technical documentation and specifications in partnership with multidisciplinary project teams, establishing engineering standards
Support Global Engineering Team initiatives and special projects that advance pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities

Requirements

Education

BSc or MSc in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Experience

Solid experience in project engineering and plant planning/construction/start-up in chemical, pharma, or biopharma industries

Required Skills

Solid experience in CAPEX engineering and/or operations engineering in relevant industries Strong interpersonal and communication skills Independent working style in multidisciplinary and complex environments Structured thinking and precise execution Fluent in English; German advantageous
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by aging populations, increased healthcare spending, and accelerated drug development timelines post-COVID-19. Process engineers are increasingly critical as companies expand manufacturing capabilities to meet global demand while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. The industry is also undergoing significant digital transformation with Industry 4.0 technologies, continuous manufacturing processes, and advanced process analytical technology (PAT) implementation becoming standard practice. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices and green chemistry initiatives within pharmaceutical production, requiring process engineers to develop environmentally conscious solutions while maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance. This trend is driving demand for engineers with expertise in both traditional pharmaceutical processes and emerging sustainable technologies. The Swiss pharmaceutical sector, home to global giants like Novartis, Roche, and Lonza, continues to be a world leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation. The region around Visp, particularly with Lonza's major manufacturing presence, represents one of Europe's most concentrated pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs, creating sustained demand for specialized process engineering talent.

Role Significance

Typically leads cross-functional project teams of 8-15 professionals including electrical engineers, civil engineers, automation specialists, validation engineers, and construction contractors. May also coordinate with larger program teams of 20-50 people for major facility expansions or new product introductions.
This is a senior-level position requiring significant autonomous decision-making capability and leadership across multidisciplinary teams. The role demands deep technical expertise combined with project management skills to drive complex pharmaceutical manufacturing projects from conception through operational handover. The position involves direct responsibility for multi-million dollar CAPEX projects and regulatory compliance.

Key Projects

Large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility expansions involving complex process equipment integration and validation New product introduction projects requiring development of novel manufacturing processes and equipment specifications Technology transfer initiatives from R&D to commercial manufacturing scale Regulatory compliance upgrades and facility modernization projects to meet evolving FDA, EMA, and Swissmedic requirements Continuous improvement projects focused on manufacturing efficiency, yield optimization, and cost reduction

Success Factors

Deep understanding of pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, enabling successful navigation of complex compliance requirements while maintaining project timelines and budgets. Strong project management capabilities combined with technical expertise to lead multidisciplinary teams through complex engineering challenges while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders at all organizational levels. Ability to think systemically about manufacturing processes, understanding the interdependencies between equipment, utilities, facilities, and human factors that impact overall manufacturing performance and product quality. Cultural adaptability and language skills to work effectively in Switzerland's multilingual business environment while collaborating with international teams and suppliers. Financial acumen to understand CAPEX budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and return on investment calculations that drive pharmaceutical manufacturing investment decisions.

Market Demand

Very High - Process engineers with pharmaceutical manufacturing experience are in extremely high demand in Switzerland, particularly in the Valais region where major pharmaceutical manufacturers have significant production facilities. The specialized nature of pharmaceutical process engineering, combined with strict regulatory requirements, creates a talent shortage that drives premium compensation and excellent career prospects.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GMP knowledge and regulatory compliance expertise are absolutely essential as pharmaceutical manufacturing operates under strict regulatory oversight, and any compliance failures can result in production shutdowns, product recalls, and significant financial penalties. Process engineers must understand FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines thoroughly. Project management and cross-functional leadership skills are critical because pharmaceutical manufacturing projects involve complex interdisciplinary teams with tight deadlines and significant financial stakes. The ability to coordinate diverse technical specialists while maintaining project momentum is essential for success. Technical expertise in process engineering fundamentals including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, separation processes, and equipment design forms the foundation for all pharmaceutical manufacturing applications and cannot be compromised. 3D design coordination and conflict resolution skills are increasingly important as pharmaceutical facilities become more complex and space-constrained, requiring precise coordination between mechanical, electrical, and architectural systems.

Beneficial Skills

Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies including process analytical technology (PAT), continuous manufacturing, and advanced process control are becoming standard in modern pharmaceutical facilities and provide competitive career advantages. Sustainability and green chemistry knowledge is increasingly valuable as pharmaceutical companies face pressure to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and cost competitiveness. Business acumen and financial modeling skills enable process engineers to contribute to strategic decision-making and advance into leadership roles more quickly. Multiple language capabilities, particularly German and French in addition to English, provide significant advantages in Switzerland's multilingual pharmaceutical industry environment.

Unique Aspects

This contract position provides rare access to black utilities systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing, which typically involve specialized containment and safety systems for high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) and oncology products
The role offers exposure to some of the most advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies in the world, given Switzerland's position as a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing excellence
Working through Hays provides networking opportunities across multiple pharmaceutical companies, potentially leading to direct employment opportunities with industry leaders
The position combines technical engineering expertise with regulatory compliance in one of the world's most stringent pharmaceutical regulatory environments, providing invaluable career-building experience
Contract nature allows for accelerated skill development through exposure to diverse projects and manufacturing technologies that permanent employees might not encounter

Career Growth

Career progression to management roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior process engineers, while transition to director-level positions generally requires 5-8 years of demonstrated leadership success. The specialized nature of pharmaceutical engineering and Switzerland's concentrated industry cluster can accelerate advancement opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Process Engineering Manager overseeing multiple simultaneous projects and leading larger engineering teams Manufacturing Excellence Director responsible for site-wide operational optimization and strategic planning Global Engineering Director managing engineering standards and practices across multiple international manufacturing sites Technical Operations Director combining engineering expertise with business leadership responsibilities Independent pharmaceutical engineering consultant serving multiple clients on specialized projects

Company Overview

Hays

Hays is one of the world's leading recruitment companies specializing in professional and technical staffing across multiple industries. With particular strength in engineering and technical placements, Hays maintains extensive relationships with major pharmaceutical manufacturers throughout Switzerland and provides both temporary and permanent placement services for specialized roles.

Hays holds a dominant position in the European technical recruitment market and is recognized as a preferred staffing partner by many multinational pharmaceutical companies. Their deep industry relationships and specialized pharmaceutical recruiting team provide access to exclusive opportunities with industry-leading organizations.
Hays maintains a strong presence throughout Switzerland with specialized pharmaceutical recruiting teams that understand the unique requirements of the Swiss pharmaceutical corridor. Their local expertise combined with global resources makes them a key intermediary for high-level pharmaceutical engineering positions.
As a staffing agency placement, this role offers the flexibility of contract work while providing access to high-profile projects within established pharmaceutical organizations. Contractors often enjoy greater project variety and higher compensation while building networks across multiple industry leaders.
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