AbbVie

Director, Commissioning and Start-Up Engineering

AbbVie • $150K — $180K *
North Chicago, IL 60064In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
15+ years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 20+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing and engineering, or regulated environments.
  • Experience in commissioning, qualification, start-up, validation, or operational readiness.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage priorities in a matrixed organization.
  • Proven track record in a GMP-regulated environment.
  • Strong project leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Capable of influencing and aligning across functions and business units.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership for commissioning and start-up activities across facilities and systems.
  • Develop and execute strategies for HAZOP Studies on capital programs.
  • Create and manage commissioning and start-up plans and protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and safety standards for GMP operations.
  • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams on startup execution.
  • Manage project risks, timelines, budgets, and issue resolution.
  • Oversee walkdowns against P&IDs to ensure operational readiness.
  • Lead troubleshooting and corrective actions during the startup process.
  • Facilitate successful integration of new assets into site operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance.
  • 401(k) participation for eligible employees.
  • Eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Director, Commissioning and Start-Up is responsible for providing operational leadership for commissioning, qualification, and start-up activities supporting new manufacturing sites, facilities expansion, utilities, equipment, and related systems. This role ensures assets are delivered safely, compliantly, and on schedule in a state of readiness for GMP operations, while meeting Abbvie quality, operational, and business objectives. The Director leads cross-functional teams and external partners while enabling a smooth transition from project execution to sustained operational performance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership for commissioning, qualification, and start-up activities across facilities, utilities, equipment, and supporting systems.
  • Develop program strategy and lead detailed execution of Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Studies for all capital programs.
  • Develop, align, and execute commissioning and start-up strategies, plans, schedules, protocols, and turnover packages.
  • Ensure readiness of systems for GMP operations in compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, and company standards.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, validation, manufacturing, quality, EHS, automation, project management, and third-party contractors to deliver integrated startup execution.
  • Manage risks, dependencies, timelines, budgets, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Support and oversee site walkdown processes against as built Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams along with Equipment installations to ensure accuracy and operational readiness.
  • Lead troubleshooting and corrective action efforts during startup to support successful implementation and stable operations.
  • Lead operational readiness and the successful integration of new assets into routine site operations.
  • Support budgeting, resource planning, for commissioning and start-up efforts.


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Typically, 20+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing and engineering or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Broad experience in commissioning, qualification, start-up, validation, or operational readiness.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams. Ability to manage multiple priorities, work through ambiguity, and drive execution in a matrixed organization.
  • Strong track record of delivering results in a GMP-regulated environment.
  • Strong project leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to influence and drive alignment across functions and business units.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting facility expansions, new product introductions, or major capital projects.
  • Experience in sterile injectables, biologics, API, or oral solid dose manufacturing.
  • Experience with risk-based CQV methodology and digital turnover systems.
  • Prior people leadership experience in a matrixed, global, or highly collaborative environment.


Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

About AbbVie

AbbVie develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They provide products and services to therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology.

AbbVie Careers

Joining AbbVie means becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a remarkable impact on patients' lives. At AbbVie, our employees are united in the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and are committed to transforming the future of healthcare with leading-edge science.

Work You’ll Do

At AbbVie, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry to solve challenging problems that have a high impact on society. Our culture fosters growth and embraces leadership and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive.

Explore Job Opportunities

AbbVie offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform where professionals can propel their careers forward. From research and development to marketing and sales, the potential to make a significant impact is limitless.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AbbVie internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at AbbVie are considered integral members of the team and are given tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing our team's professional growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our robust offerings that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Benefits and Culture

AbbVie is dedicated to supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes health, financial, and social benefits that are designed to support the diverse needs of our employees. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, fostering a workplace where all can excel.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to ensure a match that will be beneficial both for the company and for your career aspirations. From resume submission to interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your skills and fit with the AbbVie team.

Networking and Career Advancement

At AbbVie, networking doesn’t just enhance your career; it propels it. We encourage our employees to engage internally and externally to build relationships that foster personal and professional growth.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference.

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Explore AbbVie Jobs

Whether you’re seeking to advance your career in a dynamic and empowering environment, or looking for a place where you can innovate, lead, and contribute to something bigger, AbbVie is the place for you. Join us in our mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about AbbVie
Size
50,000 employees
Market Cap
$288.5 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ
ABBV
* Ladders Estimates

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