Lonza America Inc

Director, MSAT

Lonza America Inc$205K — $239K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Walkersville, MD
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with relevant experience.
  • 12+ years in pharmaceutical/API manufacturing with MSAT leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in small molecule manufacturing processes including scale-up and technology transfer.
  • Experience in managing major capital projects and facility start-ups or expansions.
  • Strong understanding of GMP operations and regulatory compliance in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the MSAT workstream for a U.S. growth investment project in small molecule manufacturing.
  • Develop and execute the process readiness roadmap with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Oversee commissioning, qualification, validation readiness, and transition to commercial operations.
  • Manage process lifecycle including technology transfer, validation strategy, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure facility and equipment design aligns with process requirements.
  • Drive technology transfer and product introduction for clinical and commercial manufacturing.
  • Identify and mitigate risks to ensure long-term process reliability and operational excellence.
  • Build and lead a high-performing MSAT organization while providing strategic updates to leadership.

Benefits

  • Performance-related bonus.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) matching plan.
  • Life insurance and short/long-term disability insurance.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
Full Job Description
Director, MSAT

Location: This position is currently remote. A future transition to an on-site location on the U.S. East-Coast/Mid-West is anticipated as the project progresses, with an expected timeline in 2027. This is a full-time role with a Monday-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $205,200 to $239,400. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:
  • Performance-related bonus.
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) matching plan.
  • Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Paid time off (PTO).


Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What will you do:

We are seeking a Director, MSAT to lead the process readiness strategy for an assigned U.S. growth investment project supporting small molecule drug substance manufacturing. This role serves as the primary MSAT leader throughout facility design, construction, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and operational handover, ensuring manufacturing processes are robust, GMP-compliant, and capable of supporting reliable clinical and commercial production. The Director will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, EHS, and Project Leadership to ensure operational and technical requirements are embedded throughout the facility lifecycle.
  • Lead the MSAT workstream for an assigned U.S. growth investment project, ensuring successful process implementation and operational readiness for small molecule manufacturing operations
  • Develop and execute the process robustness and readiness roadmap, coordinating internal and external stakeholders throughout design, construction, commissioning, qualification, and start-up activities
  • Provide leadership for process-related commissioning, qualification, validation readiness, start-up activities, and transfer to commercial operations
  • Own process lifecycle management activities, including process introduction, technology transfer, validation strategy, process monitoring, continuous improvement, and regulatory support
  • Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, and EHS teams to ensure process requirements are incorporated into facility, equipment, and automation design decisions
  • Drive technology transfer, process scale-up, and product introduction activities supporting clinical and commercial small molecule manufacturing programs.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, operational, and project-related risks while ensuring long-term process reliability, compliance, and operational excellence
  • Build, develop, and lead a high-performing MSAT organization while providing strategic updates, readiness assessments, and recommendations to senior leadership and project governance teams


What we are looking for:
  • Master's degree in engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related discipline preferred; Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered
  • 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or API manufacturing, including leadership experience within MSAT, Technical Operations, Process Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading small molecule drug substance manufacturing processes, including process scale-up, technology transfer, process validation, commercial manufacturing support, and lifecycle management and process robustness
  • Proven experience supporting major capital investment projects, facility start-ups, manufacturing expansions, or large-scale operational growth initiatives
  • Strong knowledge of GMP manufacturing operations, regulatory requirements, commissioning, qualification, validation, process performance monitoring, technology transfer, and inspection readiness within a small molecule manufacturing environment
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, Analytical Development, Supply Chain, EHS, Finance, and Project Management organizations
  • Experience leading technology transfer, process scale-up, and commercialization within a multi-product API manufacturing or CDMO environment, including cross-site product transfers, is preferred.
  • Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing technical teams while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and organizational readiness
  • Excellent communication, strategic planning, and risk management skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership, governance committees, customers, and external stakeholders
  • Ability and willingness to transition to an East Coast or Midwest U.S. site location as project needs evolve
  • Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to EMEA and NA at approximately 25-30% of the time to meet business objectives


About Lonza America Inc

Lonza America Inc is a subsidiary of Lonza Group, a Swiss multinational company that provides products and services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty ingredients markets. Lonza America Inc is responsible for the North American market and offers a range of products and services, including custom manufacturing, research and development, and quality control testing. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Lonza America Inc was founded in 1897 and has since grown to become a leading provider of products and services in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Learn more about Lonza America Inc
Size
16,218 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

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