POSITION PURPOSEReporting to the Sr. Manager, Technology Transfer & Site Engineering Readiness, the Technology Transfer Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of Technology Transfer and Process Engineering activities supporting new product commercialization, process scale-up, manufacturing implementation, external manufacturing transfers, and ongoing site operations. The role directly leads the Process Engineer and coordinates cross-functional technical teams to ensure product and process requirements, change controls, technical risks, documentation, and manufacturing handoffs are executed with quality, speed, and accountability. The position also supports assigned engineering-readiness activities for new equipment, capital projects, and site-expansion initiatives, providing a strong technical link between R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and external partners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIESThe role requires strong technical execution, cross-functional leadership, people leadership, project management, and the ability to translate development requirements into sustainable manufacturing solutions. Responsibilities include:
Technology Transfer Execution - Lead day-to-day execution of technology transfer for internal scale-up from R&D through Manufacturing Operations, as well as transfers to or from external third-party manufacturers.
- Develop and maintain technology transfer plans, timelines, risk assessments, action registers, readiness criteria, and transfer reports for assigned programs.
- Drive execution of change controls and associated technical deliverables for new products, process changes, and manufacturing transfers.
- Facilitate effective handoff from development teams to receiving manufacturing organizations, ensuring open technical issues and requirements are identified, assigned, and closed.
- Maintain clear accountability for transfer execution, proactively identify risks or barriers, and escalate significant issues with recommendations and recovery plans.
Process Engineering Leadership- Directly manage, coach, and develop the Process Engineer and establish clear priorities, deliverables, and accountability for assigned work.
- Prioritize Process Engineering support across technology transfer, existing manufacturing operations, new products, new equipment, troubleshooting, optimization, and site-readiness initiatives.
- Lead or support process design, scale-up, technical evaluations, equipment/process parameter development, root-cause troubleshooting, and implementation of sustainable process improvements.
- Use data and structured problem-solving methods to identify opportunities, define implementation plans, and measure post-implementation performance for bulk-liquid and finished-goods operations.
Cross-Functional & External Partner Integration- Lead and influence cross-functional technical teams including R&D, Analytical, Packaging Development, Formulation Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Supply Planning, Engineering, and other functions as required.
- Coordinate technical activities with external manufacturing partners, engineering consultants, equipment suppliers, and other external resources within assigned scope.
- Provide accurate technical milestones, risks, dependencies, and status updates to the Sr. Manager and applicable project or program-management resources.
Quality, Leadership & Continuous Improvement- Ensure Technology Transfer and Process Engineering activities are executed in compliance with PDI quality policies, procedures, applicable regulatory requirements, and Good Engineering Practices.
- Ensure required technical documentation, change-control deliverables, transfer reports, and manufacturing handoff documentation are complete, accurate, and maintained appropriately.
- Demonstrate leadership, learning agility, sound judgment, and action orientation; delegate effectively and develop team members to assume increasing responsibility.
- Improve repeatable Technology Transfer and Process Engineering tools, standards, lessons learned, and execution practices that increase speed, quality, and manufacturing readiness.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS- Successful and timely execution of Technology Transfer plans meeting safety, quality, regulatory, commercialization, and business requirements.
- Effective leadership and development of the Process Engineer, including clear prioritization, delegation, and accountability.
- Technical risks, change controls, open actions, and manufacturing-readiness gaps identified early and driven to timely closure.
- Process Engineering improvements delivered with measurable and sustainable results.
- Assigned engineering-readiness and startup/handoff deliverables completed in alignment with project requirements.
- Effective cross-functional execution, documentation quality, and compliance across assigned activities.
QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:- Required: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
- Preferred: Master's Degree with a technical or business focus
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:- Strong knowledge of Technology Transfer, process engineering, manufacturing processes, and commercialization in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of R&D-to-Manufacturing transfer, scale-up, change control, manufacturing readiness, and technical documentation.
- Project management skills including planning, scheduling, risk management, prioritization, and cross-functional execution.
- Familiarity with design controls, Good Engineering Practices, FDA and applicable ISO requirements, GMP practices, and relevant environmental requirements.
- Working knowledge of equipment selection, troubleshooting, commissioning, qualification, startup, and operational handoff preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project or equivalent planning tools, Word, Excel, and standard business applications.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:- 7-10 years of progressive experience in Technology Transfer, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Project Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment and leading cross-functional technical projects through manufacturing implementation.
- Experience transferring products, processes, or technologies into manufacturing.
- Demonstrated people leadership, coaching, or direct supervision of technical personnel.
- Preferred:
- Experience supporting new equipment, manufacturing expansion, commissioning, startup, site readiness, or external manufacturing transfers.
- Experience with nonwoven technologies, liquids, or saturated-wipe manufacturing processes.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:- Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
- Strong project management, organization, technical problem-solving, troubleshooting, and data-analysis capability.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
- Ability to coach, delegate, and develop technical personnel.
- Self-starter who identifies improvement opportunities, develops a path forward, and drives execution to completion.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, risks, and contingencies in a collaborative environment with a working understanding of business and financial concepts.
WORKING CONDITIONS- No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.
SALARY RANGE- $140,000 - $150,000 annually, plus bonus
PDI is pleased to offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits program to our associates, which includes: - Medical & prescription drug coverage
- Dental / Vision plan
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short- and long-term disability benefits
- Health Advocacy Program / Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Many other voluntary benefit plans and perks such as: Legal assistance, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident coverage, discounted home/auto/rental insurance, employee discounts and pet insurance, tuition assistance, referral bonus program, paid parental leave, a health club rebate program and more.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide: Sick leave, generous vacation and holiday time, paid parental leave.
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