Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support - (JP14942)

Job Title:   Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support - (JP14942)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Mechanical Design Engineering
Duration: 1+ year(s) (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 01/24/26
Pay Rate: $46 - $51/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.  Onsite Work Schedule: 8AM - 5PM


3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer Senior, Synthetic Kilo Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Support for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description:
The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree with four years of relevant industry experience, a master’s degree with two years of experience, or a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with experience supporting small-molecule API drug substance development.

This role reports to the Associate Director of Engineering and provides on-site laboratory support and scientific contribution. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative, team-based environment alongside process development of chemists, chemical engineers, and analytical scientists. The role also interfaces with Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHSS), Facilities & Engineering, laboratory management, and external vendors.

This is a laboratory-focused position requiring strong technical aptitude, curiosity, and motivation to advance synthetic laboratory operations, automation, and data-driven experimentation. The successful candidate will be capable of working independently on defined objectives while contributing effectively within a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team

Top Must Have Skills:

• Hands-on execution and support of synthetic chemistry experiments, kilo-lab operations, equipment use, and EHSS-compliant laboratory practices.
• Design, execution, and interpretation of HTE workflows for reaction, solubility, and crystallization screening, including use of automation and data-driven experimentation.
• Application of analytical and solid-state tools (HPLC, XRPD, DSC/TGA) alongside kinetic modeling and PAT awareness to translate experimental data into process understanding.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Synthetics Lab Operations and Scientific Support:

• Support day-to-day operations of the Synthetics Lab through hands-on experimental execution and technical support.
• Operate lab equipment and accessories in compliance with safety and operational procedures; develop increasing proficiency as a lab superuser.
• Execute synthetic experiments with minimal supervision and escalate technical or safety concerns as appropriate.
• Collaborate with process development of chemists and engineers to generate, interpret, and document experimental data.
• Contribute to cross-functional project teams by delivering experimental results aligned with project timelines and objectives.
• Author and support review of technical documentation, including process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, and safety documentation.
• Review various documentation and mine data using statistical tools.

High-Throughput Experimentation, Automation, and Solid-State Support

• Design and execute high-throughput experimentation (HTE) studies for reaction screening and solubility/crystallization screening under project guidance.
• Support development and operation of automated HTE workflows to enable efficient and reproducible experimentation.
• Execute solubility and crystallization of screening experiments and assist in interpretation of results to inform process development decisions.
• Perform solid-state and analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, XRPD, DSC/TGA, and related methods.
• Document, analyze, and communicate HTE and solid-state data to project teams.
• Support the use of kinetic modeling platforms and PAT tools for process understanding and optimization.

Equipment, Lab Operations, and Inventory Support:

• Assist with equipment scheduling and coordination to support experimental demands.
• Support routine equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Operate and support maintenance of lab equipment and utilities, including reactors, filtration systems, heat transfer units, and chillers.
• Assist with laboratory inventory management, including monitoring usage, ordering consumables, and restocking supplies.
• Follow established procedures for equipment handling, maintenance, and repair, escalating complex issues as needed.

Lab Improvements, Training, and EHSS:

• Participate in laboratory improvement initiatives, including equipment upgrades, workflow optimization, and automation efforts.
• Support development and maintenance of training materials for lab operations and equipment.
• Complete required training and support training compliance through the client training system.
• Participate in core team meetings and contribute experimental data and technical updates.
• Support EHSS risk assessments, safety reviews, and implementation of mitigation actions under guidance from senior staff.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree OR Masters degree and 2 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience OR Associates degree and 8 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 10 years of experience
• The candidate should demonstrate a solid foundation in chemical synthesis, synthetic laboratory operations, and scale-relevant safety practices.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are required.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation (HTE) for reaction screening, solubility assessment, and crystallization screening is desirable.
• Familiarity with automated HTE workflows and solid-state characterization techniques is a plus. Hands-on experience with analytical tools such as HPLC, XRPD, and thermal analysis (DSC/TGA) is advantageous.
• Exposure to kinetic modeling platforms and process analytical technology (PAT) tools is preferred.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is required.
• Experience with Dynochem or similar process modeling and simulation tools is a plus.

Red Flags:

• This is not a remote position; the candidate must be physically present and actively working in the laboratory environment.

Interview process:
Two rounds of interview minimum. Phone screening and zoom/onsite interview. Available immediately to interview as soon as candidates are available to screen.

We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to 

resumes@3keyconsulting.com

.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.