Design Engineering Manager

Join a Market Leader

Hovione is an independent family owned international group of companies. From the beginning, we have set ourselves above and apart through our innovative technological and productive capabilities, reaching a top spot in the world market as an integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Company dedicated to helping Pharmaceutical Customers bring new and off-patent drugs to market.

 

Our people are the main asset for our continued success. Reaching over 1950 team members, from 36 different nationalities, that are located across Asia, Europe and North America (Portugal, US, Macao, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and Switzerland), including 4 production sites.

 

Working at Hovione means reaching for innovation and excellence in everything we do: for our clients, our partners and, above all, our patients. That is why we are In it for life.

You will be responsible to:

Job Purpose

The Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all design engineering activities, from early process design through detailed engineering, ensuring projects are technically sound, compliant with GMP and EHS requirements, cost-effective, and ready for efficient execution. This role bridges process understanding and engineering discipline coordination, guaranteeing that project designs are fit for purpose, constructible, and aligned with business and operational needs.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Process & Conceptual Design

• Process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass and energy balances.
• Process descriptions and basis of design.
• Preliminary equipment sizing and technology selection.
• Challenge and validate process requirements with Production, MSAT, QA, and EHS.
• Translate operational needs into robust engineering concepts.
• Ensure alignment between process intent and downstream detailed design.

2. Detailed Design Management

• P&IDs
• Equipment specifications and data sheets
• Layouts and 3D models
• Utility systems design
• Mechanical, piping, electrical, automation, and HVAC interfaces
• Ensure consistency between disciplines and elimination of design conflicts.
• Guarantee constructability, maintainability, and operability are embedded in the design.

3. Compliance & Standards

• GMP requirements
• Local and international codes and standards
• Company engineering standards and best practices
• EHS and process safety requirements (ATEX, pressure systems, chemical safety, etc.)
• Lead and support HAZOP, HAZID, and design safety reviews.
• Ensure data integrity and validation readiness are considered from design phase.

4. Project Integration

• Act as the design authority within the project organization.
• Interface with Project Managers to ensure:
  • Design deliverables are issued on time.
  • Scope, cost, and schedule are aligned with project constraints.
• Support CAPEX estimation and technical scope definition.
• Participate in contractor and vendor technical evaluations.

5. External Engineering & Contractor Management

• Manage and technically supervise:
  • External engineering companies.
  • OEMs and package suppliers.
• Review and approve contractor design deliverables.
• Ensure consistency of quality and standards across all external design partners.

6. Change Management & Design Control

• Implement strong design control processes:
  • Versioning, approvals, and change tracking.
  • Management of technical deviations and change requests.
• Ensure traceability from process requirements to final as-built documentation.

7. Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the design engineering team, typically including Process engineers, Mechanical and piping engineers,Possibly automation or utilities specialists.
• Define priorities, allocate workload, and build technical capability.
• Act as technical mentor and reference point for complex design decisions.

8. Continuous Improvement

• Improve internal design workflows, templates, and standards.
• Increase efficiency and quality of engineering deliverables.
• Promote standardization and modular design where possible.

 

 

We are looking to recruit a Candidate:

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

 

Experience:

• 10+ years in industrial engineering, preferably in Pharmaceutical, fine chemicals, or CDMO environment.
• Process design and P&ID development.
• Equipment specification and system design.
• Multi-discipline coordination.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and external contractors.

Technical Skills

• Chemical process engineering.
• Utilities and facility systems.
• GMP facility design.
• Process safety and risk analysis.
• 3D design tools.
• Engineering document management systems.
• SAP or similar asset/project systems (nice to have).

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong technical authority with pragmatic mindset.
• Ability to challenge requirements constructively.
• Structured, disciplined, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High ownership of design quality and integrity.
• Comfortable operating between strategy and hands-on technical review.

 

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

 

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. At Hovione, that means a work environment where differences are valued, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We want all our team members worldwide to feel supported, respected, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

 

Notice to Agencies and Search Firms Representatives

Hovione does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third-party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral.