Senior Pilot Plant Engineer

Johnson & Johnson

Senior Pilot Plant Engineer developing and optimizing new chemical processes for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Collaborating with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work environment in Belgium.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeBeerse • 🇧🇪 BelgiumSenior💰 €72,500 - €115,230 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Representing pilot plants in New Product Introduction (NPI) projects in close collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Leading scale-up activities from lab to pilot scale, including process transfer, troubleshooting and process optimization.
Driving plant readiness for NPI introductions in alignment with process safety, quality, and technical requirements.
Developing, deploying, and scaling mechanistic, hybrid, or data-driven models to support process design, scale-up, and performance.
Integrating models into plant systems and applying model-driven insights to optimize pilot plant operations.
Collaborating with Chemical Process R&D teams, data engineers, automation teams and PAT specialists to ensure robust data flows and model lifecycle management.
Onboarding and training will include building a strong understanding of both pilot plant environments.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent expertise demonstrated through impactful project contributions
A degree (MS/PhD) in chemistry, chemical engineering, bio-engineering, or equivalent experience in chemical operations or development.
Experience with PAT tools and/or process simulation software (e.g. Dynochem, Aspen, gPROMS) to support process development and scale-up.
Experience with scientific programming or data science (e.g. Python, R, Julia), preferably applied in process development or manufacturing environments.
Background in chemical development operations environment, with a strong focus on technology and process improvement.
Understanding of Process Safety Management and cGMP requirements is an asset.
Proven ability to manage numerous projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
Hands-on experience with process modeling and data analytics in an industrial setting, including deployment of solutions in practice.
Good understanding of data flows, PAT systems, and integration into process control or monitoring environments.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical solutions.

Benefits

Comp & perks

an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location, where the actual amount is based on the employees’ and companies’ performance of the previous calendar year, or sales commissions.
vacation days
parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks
bereavement leave
caregiver leave
volunteer leave
well-being reimbursement
programs for financial, physical and mental health.
service anniversary and recognition awards
several insurance plans.

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Hard Skills & Tools

Process OptimizationProcess TransferData AnalyticsProcess ModelingChemical EngineeringTroubleshootingScale-Up ActivitiesModel IntegrationData-Driven ModelsChemical Operations

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsCollaboration