Associate Manager Technical Services

Job Summary

The Associate Manager Technical Services is responsible for providing end-to-end technical and engineering support across manufacturing operations, projects, and technology transfer activities. The role involves process engineering, scale-up, equipment selection, capacity analysis, debottlenecking, and ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations. The position acts as a key interface between R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Projects, EHS, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Engineering & Manufacturing Support

• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient production.
• Review and optimize process parameters to improve yield, quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.
• Develop, review, and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform material and energy balance calculations.
• Support troubleshooting of process deviations, failures, and operational challenges.

2. Technology Transfer & Scale-Up

• Lead and support technology transfer from R&D / pilot scale to commercial manufacturing.
• Translate laboratory and pilot data into scalable and robust manufacturing processes.
• Prepare and review technology transfer protocols, reports, and process descriptions.
• Coordinate trial runs, scale-up batches, and validation activities.
• Ensure process knowledge management and documentation during transfers.

3. Equipment Selection & Design Review

• Define User Requirement Specifications (URS) for process equipment.
• Evaluate, select, and technically approve equipment and vendors.
• Review General Arrangement (GA) drawings, layout plans, and equipment datasheets.
• Ensure equipment design complies with process, GMP, safety, and ergonomic requirements.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification activities.

4. Capacity Calculation & Debottlenecking

• Perform capacity assessment and throughput analysis for existing and new facilities.
• Identify bottlenecks across unit operations and utilities.
• Propose and implement debottlenecking solutions including process optimization, equipment upgrades, or layout modifications.
• Support expansion and brownfield/greenfield project planning.

5. Engineering Calculations & Technical Studies

• Perform and review engineering calculations, including:
• Flow rate, residence time, and heat transfer calculations
• Equipment sizing (reactors, mixers, dryers, filters, pumps, heat exchangers)
• Utility requirements (steam, water, compressed air, HVAC, power)
• Support preparation of basic engineering packages and design inputs.

6. Instrumentation & Automation Interface

• Review and define instrumentation philosophy, control schemes, and interlocks.
• Support selection of sensors, control valves, transmitters, and analytical instruments.
• Review automation narratives, logic diagrams, and alarm philosophies.
• Coordinate with automation and electrical teams for DCS/PLC integration.

7. Process Safety & Compliance

• Participate in process safety studies such as HAZOP, HAZID, What-If, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, GMP, regulatory, and statutory requirements.
• Support development and review of SOPs, safety interlocks, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure safe design practices related to pressure systems, hazardous materials, and utilities.

8. Project Support & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Provide technical inputs during project planning, execution, and commissioning.
• Coordinate with Quality, Validation, EHS, Maintenance, and Production teams.
• Support change management activities (MOC) related to process and equipment changes.
• Manage technical documentation and ensure traceability.

9. Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and review technical documents including:
• Process descriptions and design basis documents
• Equipment specifications and datasheets
• Validation support documents
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections with technical inputs.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related discipline
• Certified Project Management preferred.

Experience

• 812 years of relevant experience in technical services, process engineering, manufacturing, or projects
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (LIB,E waste, Pharma, API, Biotech, Chemicals, Food) preferred

Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of process engineering principles
• Expertise in PFDs, P&IDs, GA drawings, and engineering documentation
• Hands-on experience with technology transfer and scale-up
• Proficiency in capacity calculation and debottlenecking
• Equipment selection and specification expertise
• Understanding of instrumentation, automation, and control systems
• Process safety and risk assessment knowledge

Software & Tools

• Aspen / HYSYS / ChemCAD (preferred)
• MS Excel (advanced engineering calculations)
• ERP / Documentation systems (as applicable)

Behavioural & Leadership Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and technical discussions
• Structured approach to documentation and compliance
• Continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant, corporate engineering, or project sites
• May require travel for project execution, vendor inspections, or technology transfer