Design Lead​/Design Project Manager

Position: Design Lead / Design Project Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Design Lead / Design Project Manager
Location: Remote for first 6 months, then Onsite in NE Houston (Zip Code: 77064)
Pay Rate: $84/hr (W2)
Duration: 12 Months (Strong potential for extension based on performance, budget, and business needs)
Hours: 40 hours per week with potential approved overtime
Desired Start Date: ASAP
Travel: Approximately 25% (Domestic & International)

Job Summary
This role is responsible for the overall design delivery and governance for capital projects within a pharmaceutical or API manufacturing network. The Design Lead will coordinate all design phases, manage A/E firms, ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements, and oversee the project verification process. This is a senior-level position requiring strong project management, influence, and conflict-resolution skills.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Delivery

• Be responsible for the overall design delivery for capital project(s).
• Lead in the identification of applicable Engineering Design Standards, Specifications, and Regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate all design for the Project Manager during all design phases (conceptual, basic, etc.).
• Direct the development of design requirements and ensure the design meets the approved intent.
• Expedite design decisions and coordinate information flow between the design team, system owners, and stakeholders.
• Be responsible for resolving design-related problems and governance.

Project & Vendor Management

• Participate in the selection of A/E (Architect/Engineer) firms and verification professional services.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of the design schedule.
• Coordinate with A/E firms to develop earned value progress systems to measure discipline progress.
• Examine areas of inefficiency and develop strategies for improvement to meet the design hours plan.
• Review and approve (with the Project Manager) key design project personnel.
• Review design-related invoices prior to approval and participate in KPI reviews.

Verification & Compliance

• Accountable for the development of the Project Verification Plan, Traceability Matrix, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate verification activities during the project verification phase.
• Accountable for discrepancy tracking and management in the Verification phase.
• Ensure replication is achieved during design when applicable.

Process Improvement

• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, work instructions, and best practices related to design and verification.
• Support the Project Manager in value engineering exercises to maximize project opportunities.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: BS in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) or BA in Architecture.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing and/or engineering experience in support of pharmaceutical or API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) networks.
• Location: Must be based in or near Houston, TX, and available to work onsite after the initial remote period.

Additional Preferences

• Pharmaceutical design, process, or project engineer experience.
• Strong project management skills and understanding of the capital project delivery process.
• Ability to effectively facilitate conflict to resolution and influence all levels of project and site personnel.
• Experience facilitating issue resolution, anticipating scope changes, and implementing projects safely with quality, speed, and value.
• Ability to frame complex decisions, facilitate to a conclusion, and implement according to plan.
• Understanding of A/E design activities and available technical resources (user reps, Engineering Tech Center, etc.).

Interview Process

• First Round: 60-minute virtual interview.
• Second Round: Potential 30-45 minute onsite interview with the client.