Find jobs
Pricing
Free Resume Checker
Blog
Sign in
Sign up
FIND JOBSPRICINGFREE RESUME CHECKERBLOGSIGN INSIGN UP
TA
Takeda

Sr. Director, Head of Process Engineering

Salary$212k – $333k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityDirector
Experience15+ yrs
Company size10,000+ people
PostedAug 26, 2026 · 1mo ago
Verified live9h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have23
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
25+ years relevant industry experience with Bachelor’s degree
Extensive experience in small molecule process development, scale-up, and commercialization
Direct experience working in a manufacturing facility or pilot plant environment with strong understanding of cGMP operations, technology transfer, and scale-up
Demonstrated leadership in facility design, start-up, or expansion projects including defining user requirements, equipment selection, and commissioning
Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing technical staff
Strong track record of contributions to regulatory filings (IND/IMPD, NDA, MAA) including late-stage submissions
Significant experience in working with external partners (CMOs/CDMOs) and managing complex technology transfers
Expertise in process analytical technologies (FT-IR, NIR, FBRM, UV-vis etc.), chemometrics, and modeling (statistical and first principles)
Experience with advanced process control strategies and continuous manufacturing
Strong background in crystallization, particle engineering, and polymorph control
Prior success in building new technical platforms and organizational capabilities
Experience with process safety evaluation, risk assessments, and pilot plant operations
Experience navigating changing external and internal environment and leading others through change by creating and inspiring and engaging workplace
Experience recommending, influencing and implementing organizational change and continuous innovation
Proven scientific track record through presentations at scientific conferences and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing technical teams
Ability to define and implement long-term technical and organizational strategies
Recognized subject matter expertise in process engineering with broad knowledge across reaction engineering, particle science, and scale-up
Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence across functions and present effectively to senior leadership and external stakeholders
Strong cross-functional teamwork; ability to build relationships internally and externally
Strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision-making skills
Active involvement in professional networks with a record of publications, presentations, or scientific leadership in the field
Nice to have4
Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering
21+ years relevant industry experience with Master’s degree
PhD in Chemical Engineering
15+ years relevant industry experience with PhD
Eligibility2
By clicking the “Apply” button I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Skills
FT-IR
NIR
FBRM
UV-vis
chemometrics
statistical modeling
first principles modeling
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Flexible spending account
Life insurance
Short term disability
Long term disability
Employee assistance program
Tuition reimbursement
Commuter benefits
Employee stock purchase plan
Bonus
Stock awards
Relocation assistance
Legal
By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
OBJECTIVE:
Synthetic Molecule Process Development (SMPD) is responsible for developing robust, sustainable, and cost-effective processes for the manufacture of new synthetic molecule pharmaceuticals, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and scalability.
The Sr. Director of Process Engineering will be responsible for organizational leadership for global Process Engineering team within SMPD and for driving global functional area strategy. Accountable for the performance and results of global Process Engineering group; strategic influence across Takeda Business Units and/or with external collaborators. Responsible for identification and application of relevant industry trends to inform operational strategy, with an emphasis on enterprise leadership, ensuring success for current and future programs within Process Engineering and SMPD broadly. Represents Takeda externally and drives external collaboration network strategy. Provide strategic and technical leadership for the global process engineering group, driving process design, optimization, and technology transfer for small molecule drug substance unit operations for the full development lifecycle from pre-IND to PPQ and Commercial tech transfer. The successful candidate will be accountable for establishing long-term technical vision, building organizational capability, and ensuring alignment with both pipeline needs and broader organizational objectives.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
•
Defines the long-term vision and strategic roadmap for SMPD global process engineering capabilities, ensuring alignment across SMPD departments and Pharm Sci functions, as well as other business units (Quality, Regulatory, GSQ).
•
Accountable for the performance and results of global team, including performance management, talent development, succession planning, and building organizational capability across global regions.
•
Accountable for development and manufacturing of full synthetic molecule development in terms of leveraging process engineering expertise either directly or through leadership of team members
•
Establishes and manages operational processes across global Process Engineering within global SMPD.
•
Has full accountability for all engineering aspects for small molecule pipeline projects.
•
Directs team members in process development and optimization for key unit operations, including reaction engineering, crystallization, particle engineering, separations, and drying.
•
Oversees design, qualification, and operation of laboratory scale-down models to enable robust process scale-up.
•
Develops and oversees strategies for global Process Engineering infrastructure, resources, projects, etc. and implements relevant technologies and innovations.
•
Manages performance, personnel issues, and communication effectiveness within global Process Engineering
•
Accountable for the development of organizational culture and capabilities within global Process Engineering and global SMPD.
•
Defines and owns sourcing strategy for process engineering development and contributes materially and may own aspects of overall strategy for synthetic molecule development and manufacture.
•
Contributes to wider cross Business Unit strategy particularly with respect to Commercial (GSQ) development and manufacturing
•
Engages frequently with leadership of SMPD departments and Pharm sci functions, and other business units (Quality, Regulatory, and GSQ) to ensure investigational synthetic molecule engineering strategies are aligned at the operational workflow, Project, and Portfolio levels, where relevant.
•
Identifies and elevates awareness of topics for initiatives with impact across R&D/cross-divisional organization.
•
Leads complex, interdisciplinary initiatives and may sponsor a cross-departmental or cross-functional initiatives
•
Advises CMC teams on impact of team actions on other projects in their functional area and vice versa.
•
Utilizes technical expertise to contribute to R&D/cross-Business Unit strategy to solve complex issues.
•
Accountable for relevant technical content in regulatory filings (IND, NDA, MAA) and health authority queries.
•
Establishes and enforces best practices in process safety, quality by design (QbD), and risk management.
•
Builds and sustains strategic relationships with academic partners, consortia, and vendors to access cutting-edge science and capabilities.
•
Maintains external visibility and thought leadership through publications, invited talks, and representation in industry working groups.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
Requirements
•
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 25+ years relevant industry experience; Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 21+ years relevant industry experience; PhD in Chemical Engineering and 15+ years relevant industry experience.
•
Extensive experience in small molecule process development, scale-up, and commercialization.
•
Direct experience working in a manufacturing facility or pilot plant environment, with a strong understanding of cGMP operations, technology transfer, and scale-up.
•
Demonstrated leadership in facility design, start-up, or expansion projects, including defining user requirements, equipment selection, and commissioning.
•
Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing technical staff.
•
Strong track record of contributions to regulatory filings (IND/IMPD, NDA, MAA), including late-stage submissions.
•
Significant experience in working with external partners (CMOs/CDMOs) and managing complex technology transfers.
•
Expertise in process analytical technologies (FT-IR, NIR, FBRM, UV-vis, etc.), chemometrics, and modeling (statistical and first principles).
•
Experience with advanced process control strategies and continuous manufacturing.
•
Strong background in crystallization, particle engineering, and polymorph control.
•
Prior success in building new technical platforms and organizational capabilities.
•
Experience with process safety evaluation, risk assessments, and pilot plant operations.
•
Experience navigating changing external and internal environment and leading others through change by creating and inspiring and engaging workplace
•
Experience recommending, influencing and implementing organizational change and continuous innovation
•
Proven scientific track record through presentations at scientific conferences and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Knowledge and Skills:
•
Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing technical teams.
•
Strategic Vision: Ability to define and implement long-term technical and organizational strategies.
•
Technical Depth: Recognized subject matter expertise in process engineering, with broad knowledge across reaction engineering, particle science, and scale-up.
•
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence across functions and present effectively to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
•
Collaboration: Strong cross-functional teamwork; ability to build relationships internally and externally.
•
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision-making skills.
•
External Engagement: Active involvement in professional networks, with a record of publications, presentations, or scientific leadership in the field.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
May require approximately 5-10% travel.
This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Cambridge, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range:
$212,000.00 - $333,190.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
For information about our benefits, please click here.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Cambridge, MA
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Job Exempt
YesIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
More roles at Takeda
Analytical LCM Product Lead - BiologicsAnalytical LCM Product Lead - VaccinesHead of Analytical LCM Central Technology LaboratoryEntry Level Phlebotomist/Medical ScreenerPlasma Center Technician / Entry Level Phlebotomist
Seekless
Seek less: one search across companies' own career pages, instead of a dozen job boards.
Product
Find jobsCompaniesPricingFree Resume Checker
Company
AboutBlog
Legal
PrivacyTermsCookies
© 2026 SEEKLESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.BUILT WITH CARE