Top Engineering Roles for CapEx

Key Takeaways: 

• Billions are being invested in Europe’s life sciences CapEx sector, supporting new biologics plants, sterile fill‑finish facilities, and advanced therapy suites.
• Engineering roles in pharma and biotech construction surge as companies build and upgrade manufacturing assets and digital infrastructure.
• Top CapEx jobs include Project Manager, Process Engineer, Automation Engineer, CQV Engineer, and HSE Manager.
• Salary ranges for experienced engineers vary widely across Europe but are largely competitive.
• Companies that offer flexible work models, training in digital and therapeutic technologies, and clear career pathways will attract top engineering talent.

Europe’s life sciences sector is pouring resources into new infrastructure, with pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech companies steadily expanding their manufacturing footprint. CBRE notes that London alone has 2.7 million sq. ft of lab and R&D space under construction, making it one of the world’s most active markets for scientific real estate development.

The investment in these new facilities is creating a steady need for engineers who can design, build, and commission complex assets. With projects in development, companies are placing greater focus on the specific roles and technical strengths that keep CapEx projects moving and ensure sites are ready for operation.

Why European Life Sciences Continue to Invest in CapEx

Market and scientific drivers

Europe’s standing as a global leader in life sciences is reinforced by long-term health and demographic trends. An ageing population and rising chronic disease burden are driving sustained demand for medicines and advanced therapies, prompting companies to increase manufacturing capacity.

Investment momentum reflects this confidence: in early 2025, €1.2 billion flowed into European life sciences start-ups, accounting for over half of regional deal value, while global venture capital in the sector surged 43% above 2019 levels in 2024, with Europe capturing a rising share.

Plus the region’s innovation output is strengthening, with over 40,000 health-biotech patents granted in Europe over the past five years. Germany leads on total patent applications, while the UK recorded one of Europe’s fastest growth rates.

Shifts in manufacturing strategy

The region continues to expand biologics and high-value therapeutic capacity. Belgium, Ireland, and Switzerland have all increased pharmaceutical export value.

Companies are revising their CapEx strategy by prioritising upgrades to existing manufacturing sites to accelerate market entry and avoid delays caused by lengthy grid connections.

Types of projects

• Greenfield manufacturing plants
• Brownfield expansions and retrofits to increase capacity or introduce new technologies
• New QC labs, R&D facilities, and pilot-scale suites
• Digitalisation programmes and digital infrastructure upgrades

Where activity is concentrated

Europe’s CapEx landscape varies by country:

• Ireland - Strong biopharma manufacturing productivity, favourable tax structures, and high-performing export capacity.
• Switzerland - Great R&D ecosystem, stable regulatory environment, and one of the world’s most advanced medtech networks.
• Germany - Europe’s largest healthcare and medical technology market, with extensive BioRegions and innovation clusters.
• France - Leader in foreign direct investment, with large markets for medicine and technologies.
• The Netherlands - A preferred location for biopharma innovation, with Leiden emerging as a major R&D construction zone.
• UK - Hosts the region’s strongest pipeline of products in development; London, Oxford, and Cambridge jointly account for some of Europe’s most active construction markets.
• Denmark & Sweden - Denmark’s Medicon Valley and Sweden’s growing biotech scene remain major R&D focal points.

These developments, combined with Europe’s role as home to 24% of the world’s R&D companies, create sustained demand for CapEx engineering jobs.

The Top 5 Engineering Roles for Life Sciences CapEx Projects

1. CapEx Project Manager

Project managers take ownership of the entire delivery cycle, guiding projects from early concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, qualification, and final handover. They orchestrate multidisciplinary teams, manage risk alongside schedule and cost controls, and maintain clear and consistent communication with senior leadership and regulatory bodies.

Key skills:

• Degree in process, chemical, mechanical, industrial, or related engineering
• PMP, Prince2, or equivalent credentials
• Competence in GMP/GDP, quality systems, and compliance expectations for EMA and MHRA inspections
• Experience managing EPCM contractors, construction vendors, and major change control processes

2. Process Engineer (Pharma/Biotech)

Process engineers design and optimise the operations that will run inside new or expanded assets. Their responsibilities include bioprocess design for upstream and downstream operations, aseptic filling lines, packaging operations, and tech transfer into new equipment and layouts.  

Key skills:

• Degree in chemical, bioprocess, biochemical, or biological engineering
• Strong grounding in GMP and process validation
• Proficiency with risk tools such as FMEA and HAZOP
• Experience with biologics or aseptic processing is especially valuable, as companies move towards advanced therapies

3. Automation/Controls Engineer

Automation engineers implement the control architecture that underpins modern manufacturing, bringing together PLC, DCS, SCADA, MES, and electronic batch record systems. Their goal is to safeguard data integrity and ensure full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and GAMP 5 standards.

Key skills:

• Degree in automation, electrical, or control engineering
• Familiarity with Siemens, Rockwell, DeltaV, and manufacturing networks
• Understanding of CSV, cyber security, and OT/IT integration

4. CQV (Commissioning, Qualification & Validation) Engineer

CQV engineers play a critical role in bringing new pharmaceutical facilities and equipment into compliant operation. They lead and execute commissioning, qualification, and validation activities across utilities, process equipment, cleanrooms, and computerised systems. Their work ensures that assets are fit for purpose, inspection-ready, and capable of supporting commercial production.

Key skills:

• Engineering or scientific degree (process, mechanical, electrical, automation, or related)
• Hands-on experience with commissioning and IQ/OQ/PQ execution
• Strong knowledge of GMP, Annex 1, ISPE guidelines, and validation life-cycle approaches
• Experience with risk-based qualification, protocol authoring, and deviation/change management

5. HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Manager

HSE managers ensure that large-scale pharmaceutical construction and operational projects are delivered safely, sustainably, and in full compliance with local and international regulations. They establish and enforce health, safety, and environmental standards across site activities, construction phases, and operational readiness.

Key skills:

• Degree or professional qualification in HSE, engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of EU and local HSE legislation, risk assessments, and permit-to-work systems
• Experience managing HSE performance on complex construction or CapEx projects
• Ability to influence contractors and stakeholders while embedding a strong safety culture

Cross-Disciplinary Skills Growing in Importance

Across all CapEx disciplines, employers increasingly value:

• Strong GMP and regulatory fluency
• Comfort with risk-based approaches
• Digital literacy, including competence with historians, MES, and basic analytics
• Stakeholder communication, especially in multicultural project environments
• GAMP 5 experience, PMP/Prince2, and Lean/Six Sigma certification for continuous improvement

Indicative Salary Ranges for CapEx Engineering in Europe

 These ranges reflect aggregated benchmarks for experienced engineers (typically 5-10+ years) based on Eurostat labour cost data, OECD earnings, and salary data sets for engineering and technical occupations. Salaries can exceed these bands depending on seniority, specialisation, or location, and comprehensive benefits packages are often provided in addition to base pay.

How Employers Can Compete for CapEx Engineering Talent

Working with a CapEx Recruitment Partner

NES Fircroft has an established presence across the continent, with 15 offices located throughout Europe, close to life science clusters, and is supported by a broader network of 80 offices worldwide. We have specialists in contract staffing and permanent hiring, payroll, global mobility, and compliance, ensuring that you can secure a high-performing engineering workforce or be matched with the right opportunities.

For businesses preparing to secure engineering capability or refine workforce plans, get in touch to discuss how our CapEx recruitment team can develop your hiring strategy. Professionals seeking new roles in life sciences can explore our latest engineering jobs.

FAQs

What does a CapEx engineer do?

CapEx engineers overall design, build, and commission new or upgraded pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities, ensuring compliance and integrating advanced technologies.

Where is activity concentrated?

Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK lead, with London among the busiest construction markets. Denmark and Belgium also remain strong R&D hubs. NES Fircroft has entities in all of these locations, providing local, on-the-ground support.

What are the typical salary ranges for CapEx engineering roles in Europe?

Salaries for experienced CapEx engineers in Europe are highly competitive and vary by country. For example, ranges in Germany often fall between €65,000 and €110,000, the UK typically sees £45,000 to £85,000, and Switzerland offers some of the highest bands, from CHF 110,000 to 160,000.

How do I find CapEx project managers in life sciences?

Work with a specialist recruitment partner that has networks in leading life science clusters. Finding the right candidate requires more than posting a job ad; it demands access to a network of highly specialised professionals and recruiters who understand the technical and regulatory complexity of the role. Learn more about our life sciences recruitment capabilities here.

What are cost-effective recruitment solutions for CapEx teams in life sciences?

Partner with a life sciences recruiting firm that offers flexible staffing models such as contract staffing or global mobility support, and access to pre-qualified talent. This reduces time-to-hire, ensures compliance, and lowers overhead costs while securing experienced engineers for complex projects.