Project Engineer

Project Engineer Location: Netherlands | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing About the Role We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer to support capital projects, process improvements, equipment upgrades, and operational excellence initiatives within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role will be responsible for leading engineering projects from concept through implementation while ensuring compliance, reliability, quality, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a Mechanical Engineering degree and previous pharmaceutical industry experience, with the ability to work across multiple stakeholders including Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and External Contractors. Key Responsibilities Lead engineering projects related to equipment installation, process improvements, facility upgrades, and operational optimization.Develop and implement process excellence initiatives that improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and product quality.Identify systemic equipment and process issues through data analysis and trend monitoring.Drive troubleshooting and root cause investigations to prevent process deviations and equipment failures.Evaluate manufacturing equipment and provide technical recommendations for optimized and balanced production performance.Support the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and systems.Ensure engineering solutions comply with GMP, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.Develop capital expenditure (CAPEX) proposals and manage project budgets and timelines.Coordinate contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders throughout project execution.Establish performance metrics and monitor project deliverables to ensure successful implementation.Lead cross-functional teams to deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.Support new product introductions, process transfers, and facility expansion projects where applicable.Requirements Must Have Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.Previous experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or highly regulated manufacturing industry.Proven experience delivering engineering and capital projects in a manufacturing environment.Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, utilities, equipment reliability, and maintenance principles.Familiarity with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.Experience managing contractors and multiple stakeholders.Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and project management skills.Excellent communication skills in English.Nice to Have VCA Certification.Experience working with CMMS systems (SAP, Maximo, etc.).Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.Experience with commissioning, qualification, and validation activities.What You'll Bring Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.A proactive, hands-on approach to project execution.Ability to balance technical detail with business objectives.Experience working in multidisciplinary project teams.A continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.