Process Lead – Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) Manufacturing | Yamagata, Japan

Step into a pivotal role at a new greenfield Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) manufacturing facility in Yamagata, Japan. As the Process Lead, you will be the driving expert behind all OSD process equipment, guiding design, selection, and implementation processes that ensure seamless and compliant production of pharmaceutical solids. This full-time, onsite opportunity offers you the chance to leverage your extensive expertise to influence every stage of the project—from initial design through commissioning and startup—and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver a world-class facility.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Over 10 years of in-depth experience in process equipment engineering, specifically within pharmaceutical OSD manufacturing
• Proven expertise in granulation, blending, compression, coating, and encapsulation process concepts
• Strong command of process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and process descriptions
• Ability to lead vendor interactions, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and FAT/SAT participation
• Comprehensive knowledge of QbD, CQAs, CPPs, process risk assessments, and GMP compliance
• Proficiency in developing and reviewing equipment specifications, drawings, and URS documentation
• Fluent English communication skills; Japanese language proficiency is a plus but not mandatory

Additional Assets That Set You Apart:

• Hands-on experience specifically with Glatt OSD process equipment, including direct collaboration with Glatt engineering teams
• Background in continuous process technology and greenfield project execution
• Familiarity with automation, containment strategies, and integration of utilities within pharmaceutical plants
• Knowledge of Japanese project standards, permitting, and environmental regulations
• Experience with front-end engineering design and EPC contractor coordination

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related field
• Extensive professional experience (10+ years) focused on OSD process equipment leadership roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing projects

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to work full-time onsite in Yamagata, Japan (5 days per week) for a project duration of 1-2 years
• Ability to navigate complex multidisciplinary project environments and collaborate across departments
• Understanding of safety, health, and environmental standards applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.