Process Engineering Startup Support

Our client is seeking a process engineer for a long-term contract onsite in Wilson, NC.

Hourly pay: $40-60hr w2; pay may be negotiable based on education, experience, geographic location and other factors.

 

Process Engineer – Bioprocess Startup & Commissioning

Location: Wilson, NC (On-Site)
Duration: August 2026 – May 2027 (Contract, Contract-to-Hire, or Full-Time)
Industry: Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing / Life Sciences

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support the startup, commissioning, qualification, and troubleshooting of large-scale bioprocess manufacturing equipment and utility systems within a biopharmaceutical production facility. This role will work closely with equipment vendors, process controls engineers, maintenance teams, and manufacturing operations to ensure successful installation, testing, startup, and operational readiness of critical process systems.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience supporting large-scale bioprocess equipment in highly regulated manufacturing environments, with a strong background in commissioning activities, process troubleshooting, equipment verification, and operational readiness.

 

Key Responsibilities

Startup, Commissioning & Equipment Support

• Support startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities for large-scale stainless steel bioprocess equipment, including:

  • Bioreactors

  • Mixing skids and mixing tanks

  • Buffer preparation and distribution systems

  • Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems

  • Process transfer lines and associated equipment

• Coordinate with equipment vendors during installation, startup, and performance verification activities.

• Verify installation accuracy against engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and component lists.

• Support execution of dry runs, wet testing, and initial manufacturing campaigns.

 

Process & Controls Support

• Collaborate with Process Controls and Automation Engineers to:

  • Troubleshoot process issues

  • Tune control loops

  • Debug automation sequences and batch recipes

  • Revise functional specifications as required

• Participate in batch recipe testing and process validation activities.

 

Utility Systems Support

• Provide startup, troubleshooting, and operational support for plant utility systems including:

  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) water generation and distribution systems

  • Compressed air systems

  • Process utility distribution networks

 

Maintenance & Reliability Support

• Perform minor equipment repairs and component replacement activities, including:

  • Valve diaphragms

  • Tri-clamp assemblies

  • Position switches and instrumentation devices

• Coordinate and oversee major equipment repairs involving:

  • Mechanical seals

  • Bearings

  • Piping modifications

  • Process equipment upgrades

 

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop startup and commissioning protocols and test plans.

• Draft and revise operating procedures and preventive maintenance SOPs.

• Document commissioning results, troubleshooting activities, and operational improvements.

• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, quality, and engineering standards.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related technical discipline.

• 5+ years of experience supporting process equipment in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Experience with startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of bioprocess equipment.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Bioreactors

  • Mixing systems

  • CIP systems

  • Buffer preparation systems

  • Process instrumentation and controls

• Ability to read and interpret:

  • P&IDs

  • Process flow diagrams

  • Equipment specifications

  • Engineering drawings

• Experience developing and executing commissioning protocols and test plans.

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.

Additional Information

• Position is based onsite in Wilson, NC.

• Shift work, off-hours support, and weekend work may be required during commissioning and startup activities.

• Travel within the facility and extended support during critical startup phases may be required.

• Candidates interested in contract, contract-to-hire, or direct hire opportunities are encouraged to apply.

 

If you are interested in this role, then please click APPLY NOW. For other opportunities available at Akkodis, or any questions, feel free to contact me at brenda.goldenmitchell@akkodis.com

 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

 

Benefits offerings include but are not limited to:

•   Healthcare

•   401k

•   PTO/Vacation

 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.akkodis.com/en/privacy-policy.

 

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

· The California Fair Chance Act

· Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

· Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

· San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

 

Pay Details: $40.00 to $60.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.akkodis.com/en/us/candidate-privacy-policy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.