Project Engineer - API Pilot Plant

AbbVie’s API Pilot Plant in North Chicago, IL is seeking a project engineer to provide capital project management and technical support to the pilot plant and laboratories within AbbVie’s Synthetic Molecule CMC organization. The API Pilot Plant supports the pharmaceutical pipeline through process development and manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for pre-clinical toxicology studies, clinical trials, formulation development, and registration runs.

This function will primarily lead the planning and execution of small to medium sized capital projects related to process equipment, facilities, and utilities for the API Pilot Plant. In addition, this role will support AbbVie’s R&D pipeline by providing day-to-day technical support of the plant and collaborating with process engineers, chemists, and operations technicians on the introduction of new processes and plant improvements.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts small to medium sized capital projects within an engineering specialty and through all aspects of the project life cycle including scope development, cost estimating, execution planning, preparation of requests for capital expenditure, design, procurement, construction, cost/schedule control, commissioning, qualification, operator training, startup, and financial closeout.
• Responsible for the successful completion of projects within the stated parameters of scope, cost, and schedule with the assurance that all functional, regulatory, end-user, and good engineering practice requirements are met.
• Monitors project progress to plan and implement corrective actions or contingencies as needed to maintain commitments. Provides management with regular project status updates and variances to plan.
• Leads the design of process equipment, facilities, and utilities by applying standard engineering theories, concepts, and techniques. Leads the procurement and installation of process equipment through development of equipment specifications and participation in FATs and SATs.
• Supports the commissioning and qualification of equipment, facilities and utilities including development of user/system/functional requirement specifications and execution of installation and operational qualification protocols.
• Provides technical support for the pilot plant including troubleshooting of equipment problems, performing root cause analysis, and identifying corrective actions.
• Support AbbVie’s quality policies through engineering support of investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Assist AbbVie in achieving environmental, health, safety, and energy (EHS&E) goals by working safely, participating in Process Hazard Analysis and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs), complying with process safety management of change procedures, and observing all corporate and department safety policies.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or equivalent with a desired 2+ years of relevant engineering and/or operational experience. Additional post-graduate education may contribute towards the desired years of experience.
• Possesses a working technical knowledge and application of concepts, practices, and procedures. Ability to work on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of identifiable factors. Demonstrates judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Working knowledge in the areas of process equipment and system design, P&ID development, process equipment sizing and selection, preparation of equipment specifications, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with personnel from various disciplines at all levels in the organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical background in health care, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics, or similar industries (preferred).

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolutediscretion, consistent with applicable law. ​

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: