Principal Project Engineer, Capital Projects (Onsite)

Company Name: AbbVie (specifically AbbVie Bioresearch Center)
Location: Worcester, MA, United States (On-site)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $106.5K – $202.5K yearly (plus eligibility for short-term and long-term incentive programs).
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Engineering

Job Overview

AbbVie, a global leader in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry, is seeking an exceptional Principal Project Engineer, Capital Projects to join our team at the AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. This full-time role offers a pivotal opportunity to serve as a Subject Matter Expert for the Project Engineering Group, providing end-to-end management of capital projects through their entire lifecycle.

As a Principal Project Engineer, you will be instrumental in a variety of challenging projects, from developing scopes and specifications to overseeing on-site contractors and supporting the startup of new equipment. You’ll leverage your significant engineering experience, robust project management skills, and general knowledge of commercial construction to ensure all facility-related projects are completed successfully. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for driving capital projects in a highly regulated and dynamic R&D lab environment, AbbVie invites you to contribute your expertise to our innovative biopharmaceutical facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert for the Project Engineering Group, specifically in areas like renovation, new construction, and facility-related equipment installation.
• Provide overall management of capital projects through the entire project life-cycle, including scope, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination.
• Develop scopes, specifications, estimates, and standards for facility-related projects.
• Participate in conceptual and detailed design efforts, ensuring alignment with corporate standards.
• Manage the procurement process and generate purchase requisitions for project materials and equipment.
• Oversee the mechanical design of vendor-fabricated equipment, including reviewing and approving vendor submittals and performing Factory/Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT).
• Review project submittals and RFIs to ensure alignment with corporate specifications and standards.
• Act as a liaison with city inspectors and outside contractors.
• Oversee all on-site contractors, including scheduling, safety permits, and installation review.
• Support the startup of new equipment, including commissioning, troubleshooting, and providing field support to validation staff.
• Utilize a good general background in interior and exterior commercial construction activities and a general understanding of all trades.
• Apply a general knowledge of building, architectural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection codes.
• Possess excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Demonstrate the ability to lift 25 lbs and negotiate pipe racks/ladders.

Qualifications

• Experience Level: This is a Senior-level position, requiring a desired 8+ years of significant engineering experience and a strong background in construction management.
• Education Requirement: A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, science, or a closely related discipline is desired, or equivalent technical experience with demonstrated competence. PMP certification is a significant advantage.
• Required Skills:
  • A desired 8+ years of significant engineering experience.
  • A background in construction management utility, process, equipment of biopharmaceutical facility, and R&D lab projects is strongly preferred.
  • Good general background in interior and exterior commercial construction activities and a general understanding of all trades.
  • General knowledge of building, architectural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection codes.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
  • PMP certification is a significant advantage.
  • Good oral/written communication skills.
  • The ability to lift 25 lbs and negotiate pipe racks/ladders.
  • Proven ability to act as a Subject Matter Expert for the Project Engineering Group in areas like renovation, new construction, and facility-related equipment installation.
  • Experience providing overall management of capital projects through the entire project life-cycle (scope, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination).
  • Skilled in developing scopes, specifications, estimates, and standards for facility-related projects.
  • Experience managing the procurement process and generating purchase requisitions.
  • Capable of overseeing mechanical design of vendor-fabricated equipment, including review and approval of vendor submittals and factory/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
  • Proficient in reviewing project submittals and RFIs to ensure alignment with corporate specifications and standards.
  • Strong ability to interact with city inspectors and outside contractors.
  • Experience overseeing all on-site contractors, including scheduling, safety permits, and installation review.
  • Capable of supporting startup of new equipment, including commissioning, troubleshooting, and field support to validation staff.

Salary and Benefits

AbbVie offers competitive compensation for this Full-time Principal Project Engineer, Capital Projects position. The annual salary ranges from $106.5K – $202.5K, with eligibility for short-term and long-term incentive programs. We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and well-being.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, on-site position based at the AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. You will work within a professional and highly regulated environment, collaborating with various engineering and R&D teams, as well as external contractors and inspectors. The role demands strong project management skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and quality. You will be expected to work on-site, requiring the ability to negotiate ladders and pipe racks.

Why Work with Us

AbbVie is a global leader in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology sectors, committed to advancing medicine and improving the lives of patients worldwide. Joining us as a Principal Project Engineer means becoming a pivotal leader in our mission to discover and deliver innovative therapies by ensuring our world-class facilities and R&D labs are maintained to the highest standards.

We offer a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment where your expertise in Engineering, project management, and construction will be highly valued. You will be empowered to lead capital projects, influence strategic decisions, and directly contribute to the success of our life-changing products. If you are a driven and experienced professional with a passion for excellence in a GMP environment, AbbVie offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow your career and make a lasting impact on global health.