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Job Title: Principal Investigator – Process Engineer
Position summary:
The Process Development group at Innovation Center in Hyderabad works as part of an interdisciplinary team to design and develop synthetic routes for commercial manufacturing processes. Principal Investigator – Process Engineer will provide engineering support of all phases of process development, with responsibility from early stage to commercial launch. This role includes conducting laboratory-based programs to develop commercial manufacturing processes as part of a cross-functional team of process chemists, analytical chemists and engineers, also partnering with third party Contract Research Organizations (CRO) to ensure pilot campaign success and extract engineering learnings to be used in future commercial manufacturing designs.
Location: Hyderabad
The Role (daily responsibilities)
- Lead chemical engineering deliverables for assigned synthetic programs from early and/or late-stage development through process characterization, technology transfer, piloting, validation, and commercial manufacturing.
- Develop and oversee process engineering deliverables, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process descriptions, and detailed mass and heat balance calculations.
- Participate in rigorous risk assessments, HAZOP studies, failure-mode evaluations, and ensure adherence to safety and environmental standards.
- Provides subject matter expertise across development and scale-up, supporting technical package preparation, process and equipment fit assessment, scale-up strategies, facility readiness evaluations, technology transfer execution, validation activities, and post-transfer process stabilization.
- Provide strong technical leadership at CDMOs and manufacturing sites, including hands-on floor support, rapid troubleshooting, risk-based decision-making, issue escalation, and execution support during engineering, demonstration, pilot, and commercial campaigns.
- Build and maintain high-trust, high-accountability partnerships with external manufacturing partners by establishing clear governance, decision-making frameworks, communication pathways, performance expectations, and risk management processes.
- Lead or guide investigations, root-cause assessments, deviations, non-conformances, CAPAs, change controls, and process performance reviews using data-driven and science-based recommendations.
- Apply chemical engineering fundamentals, modeling, and manufacturing data to improve process capability, yield, purity, cycle time, safety, sustainability, productivity, and cost of goods.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and process simulation software (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, Minitab, AutoCAD).
- Apply reaction engineering, thermodynamics, kinetics, heat and mass transfer, mixing, hydrodynamics, separations, filtration, drying, solid-liquid handling, and equipment design to development and manufacturing challenges.
- Create fit-for-purpose laboratory and engineering experiments, representative scale-down models, and process characterization studies that define mechanisms, operating ranges, robustness, and scale-up criteria.
- Integrate process safety, equipment and facility fit, material compatibility, containment, operability, maintainability, and human-factor considerations into process and technology-transfer decisions.
- Author, review, and defend engineering reports, technology-transfer packages, risk assessments, control strategy documents, technical investigations, and regulatory filing sections.
- Establish trusted relationships with CDMO leaders and technical teams while maintaining clear accountability, protecting FMC requirements, and addressing conflict or performance gaps directly and professionally.
- Distill complex technical information into concise recommendations, decision points, risks, and trade-offs for senior leaders, governance forums, regulatory stakeholders, and external partners.
The candidate (requirements):
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (B.E./B.Tech. or M.E./M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering) is required; a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is preferred.
- Ph.D. level Chemical Engineers with a strong background in chemical engineering research and organic chemistry knowledge, as well as work experience in process development, pilot plant and commercial operations.
- 10-15 years' experience in R&D process development in agrochemicals, pharmaceutical, fine or specialty chemicals industry required.
- Familiarity with concepts of developing safe and cost-effective chemical processes.
- Strong organic chemistry knowledge is a plus.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively and work in teams of scientists.
- The ability to effectively develop and test hypotheses and quickly determine the feasibility of a proposal is critical.
- Willingness to work flexibly across multiple time zones and travel as required, including primarily domestic travel and occasional international travel.
- Flexible work schedules to accommodate work performed in different geographies required.
- Experience working in kilo, pilot and/or manufacturing scale environments is desirable.
At FMC, diversity and inclusion are in our DNA. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive – regardless of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, color, age, religion or religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. FMC also supports employee participation in company employee resource groups that celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our workforce by providing communities for employees to connect with each other and raise awareness throughout FMC. FMC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Talent Acquisition department at talentacquisition@fmc.com.
FMC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions at FMC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We value diversity and strive to ensure that our hiring and employment practices support a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
