Design lead

Blackfield Associates are currently partnered with a global pharmaceutical manufacturer to support their search for a Design Lead to join their project based in Pennsylvania on an initial 12-month contract.

• Lead the overall design development for project scopes, ensuring alignment with standards, regulatory requirements, and project goals.
• Manage and coordinate multi‑disciplinary design teams (civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, process) throughout all project phases.
• Oversee production, review, and approval of design deliverables including drawings, specifications, technical reports, and design packages.
• Facilitate design reviews, resolve technical issues, and ensure timely responses to RFIs and design queries.
• Interface with construction, procurement, and project management teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated during execution.
• Maintain schedule control for all design activities, tracking progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation plans.
• Ensure design documentation meets quality, safety, operational, and GMP compliance standards applicable to pharmaceutical facilities.
• Engage with stakeholders, end users, and facility operations teams to capture requirements and ensure functional design outcomes.
• Support change management activities related to design modifications, scope adjustments, and value engineering initiatives.

• Sufficient design engineering experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated industrial facility projects.
• Strong leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• In‑depth knowledge of facility design processes, codes, standards, and GMP requirements.
• Proven experience working on design for large capital projects, preferably within the life sciences sector.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, technical specifications, and design documentation.
• Strong communication, coordination, and decision‑making skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil, or related discipline).
• Experience supporting design through construction, commissioning, and handover preferred.