Apply to Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support - (JP15156)

Job Title: Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support - (JP15156)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: DST Synthetics
Duration: 1+ year(s) (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 03/18/2026
Pay Rate: $46 - $52/hour W2 With Benefits
Notes: Onsite Work Schedule: 8AM - 5PM

3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description:
T The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree with four years of relevant industry experience, a master’s degree with two years of experience, or a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with experience supporting small-molecule API drug substance development.

This role reports to the Associate Director of Engineering and provides on-site laboratory support and scientific contribution. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative, team-based environment alongside process development of chemists, chemical engineers, and analytical scientists. The role also interfaces with Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHSS), Facilities & Engineering, laboratory management, and external vendors.

This is a laboratory-focused position requiring strong technical aptitude, curiosity, and motivation to advance synthetic laboratory operations, automation, and data-driven experimentation. The successful candidate will be capable of working independently on defined objectives while contributing effectively within a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team

Top Must Have Skills:

Hands-on execution and support of synthetic chemistry experiments, kilo-lab operations, equipment use, and EHSS-compliant laboratory practices.
Design, execution, and interpretation of HTE workflows for reaction, solubility, and crystallization screening, including use of automation and data-driven experimentation.
Application of analytical and solid-state tools (HPLC, XRPD, DSC/TGA) alongside kinetic modeling and PAT awareness to translate experimental data into process understanding.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Synthetics Lab Operations and Scientific Support:

Support day-to-day operations of the Synthetics Lab through hands-on experimental execution and technical support.
Operate lab equipment and accessories in compliance with safety and operational procedures; develop increasing proficiency as a lab superuser.
Execute synthetic experiments with minimal supervision and escalate technical or safety concerns as appropriate.
Collaborate with process development of chemists and engineers to generate, interpret, and document experimental data.
Contribute to cross-functional project teams by delivering experimental results aligned with project timelines and objectives.
Author and support review of technical documentation, including process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, and safety documentation.
Review various documentation and mine data using statistical tools.

High-Throughput Experimentation, Automation, and Solid-State Support

Design and execute high-throughput experimentation (HTE) studies for reaction screening and solubility/crystallization screening under project guidance.
Support development and operation of automated HTE workflows to enable efficient and reproducible experimentation.
Execute solubility and crystallization of screening experiments and assist in interpretation of results to inform process development decisions.
Perform solid-state and analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, XRPD, DSC/TGA, and related methods.
Document, analyze, and communicate HTE and solid-state data to project teams.
Support the use of kinetic modeling platforms and PAT tools for process understanding and optimization.
Equipment, Lab Operations, and Inventory Support:

Assist with equipment scheduling and coordination to support experimental demands.
Support routine equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance activities.
Operate and support maintenance of lab equipment and utilities, including reactors, filtration systems, heat transfer units, and chillers.
Assist with laboratory inventory management, including monitoring usage, ordering consumables, and restocking supplies.
Follow established procedures for equipment handling, maintenance, and repair, escalating complex issues as needed
Lab Improvements, Training, and EHSS:

Participate in laboratory improvement initiatives, including equipment upgrades, workflow optimization, and automation efforts.
Support development and maintenance of training materials for lab operations and equipment.
Complete required training and support training compliance through the client training system.
Participate in core team meetings and contribute experimental data and technical updates.
Support EHSS risk assessments, safety reviews, and implementation of mitigation actions under guidance from senior staff.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree OR Masters degree and 2 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience OR Associates degree and 8 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 10 years of experience
The candidate should demonstrate a solid foundation in chemical synthesis, synthetic laboratory operations, and scale-relevant safety practices.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are required.
Experience with high-throughput experimentation (HTE) for reaction screening, solubility assessment, and crystallization screening is desirable.
Familiarity with automated HTE workflows and solid-state characterization techniques is a plus. Hands-on experience with analytical tools such as HPLC, XRPD, and thermal analysis (DSC/TGA) is advantageous.
Exposure to kinetic modeling platforms and process analytical technology (PAT) tools is preferred.
Proficiency with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is required.
Experience with Dynochem or similar process modeling and simulation tools is a plus.

Red Flags:

This is not a remote position; the candidate must be physically present and actively working in the laboratory environment.

Interview process:
Two rounds of interview minimum. Phone screening and zoom/onsite interview. Available immediately to interview as soon as candidates are available to screen.

We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com. If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.