Apply to Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems (JP15269)

Job Title: Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems (Bioreactors / Chromatography / TFF / CMMS / Troubleshooting / Onsite Support) JP15269
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: B30 Pilot Plant Engineering
Duration: 1+ year (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 04/23/26
Pay Rate: $45 - $50/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. 100% onsite and we prefer a local candidate.

3 Key Consulting is hiring a Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer – Pilot Plant Bioprocess Systems for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description:
This role serves as an Equipment Sr. Engineer supporting manufacturing in the Thousand Oaks Pilot Plant (non-GMP environment). The engineer is responsible for the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of assigned process equipment (e.g., bioreactors, chromatography skid, single-use and stainless systems).

The position provides day-to-day onsite technical support to operations, with emphasis on troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and data-driven decision-making. The engineer partners closely with Operations and support functions to guide technical decisions during equipment issues, process changes, and system improvements, without directly operating equipment.

This role also supports preventive maintenance strategy, asset management (e.g., Maximo), and new equipment introduction, ensuring systems are effectively integrated and maintained for evolving process needs. Additionally, the engineer is expected to identify opportunities to leverage digital tools and AI to enhance troubleshooting, reliability, and workflow efficiency.

This role requires independence, technical depth, a strong reliability mindset, and effective cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced development environment.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team

Top Must Have Skills:

Equipment Troubleshooting & RCA: Can independently diagnose issues and clearly explain root cause and resolution
System Ownership & Reliability: Experience owning equipment, managing PMs, and improving reliability using data
Cross-Functional Communication: Works effectively with Ops, Maintenance, and support teams; communicates clearly during issues

Day to Day Responsibilities:

Provide engineering support for bioprocess equipment including systems such as bioreactors, chromatography skids, TFF/UFDF, cleaning, single-use and stainless systems to ensure reliable operation
Troubleshoot equipment issues, lead root cause analysis, and implement solutions to improve performance and reliability
Identify and mitigate equipment risks (e.g., failure modes, obsolescence) and drive proactive improvements
Apply engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, fluid systems, piping, electrical, process controls) to evaluate and resolve issues
Utilize Maximo (or similar CMMS) to manage work orders, track asset history, and support maintenance planning
Analyze system and process data using engineering and statistical methods (e.g., trend analysis, SPC) to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Support equipment design, commissioning, startup, and system integration for new or modified systems
Translate process and operational needs into engineering solutions and documentation
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Instrumentation, Facilities, and Process Development
Manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
Identify and implement opportunities to leverage digital tools and AI to improve efficiency and troubleshooting
Apply appropriate GMP awareness where relevant while operating effectively in a non-GMP pilot plant environment
Lead or support small scope engineering projects, including planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination, to address operational needs and drive continuous improvement.
Maintain a consistent on-site presence to support daily operations, with flexibility to provide weekend shift coverage and after-hours support as needed.

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

Red Flags:

Superficial troubleshooting (can’t explain what they did)
No ownership experience (only “supported” work, no accountability)
Poor cross-functional mindset (blames others, lacks coordination examples)
No CMMS/Maximo exposure
Inability/non-committal to relocate and work onsite
Not data-driven (no use of trends/metrics)
Cannot speak to resume in detail
No work experience

Interview process:
1. Phone Screening with Hiring Manager
2. Video Panel Interview with Engineer team
3. Video Panel Interview with Manager team

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.