Principal Engineer, Ops Metrology & Qualification

Job description

This is where your work makes a difference. At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond. Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results. Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride. At Baxter, we are united by our mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Our Braine-l'Alleud site is a strategic R&D and pharmaceutical operations hub, bringing together scientific expertise, innovation, and technical excellence to support the development and delivery of therapies that improve patients' lives worldwide. Based at our campus in Braine-l'Alleud, you will join a highly collaborative environment where Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Laboratory teams work together to ensure the highest standards of compliance, reliability, and operational excellence. As Principal Engineer, Operations Metrology & Qualification, you will provide technical leadership for laboratory equipment qualification, metrology programs, computerized systems validation, and lifecycle management activities across the site. Acting as a recognized technical expert, you will drive compliance, performance, and continuous improvement while supporting critical laboratory operations in a highly regulated GMP environment. What you'll do Provide technical leadership for the qualification, validation, calibration, and lifecycle management of laboratory equipment, computerized systems, and supporting utilities. Lead complex qualification and validation projects from conception through implementation while ensuring compliance, quality, budget, and timeline objectives are achieved. Develop, review, approve, and execute qualification and validation documentation, including Validation Plans, URS, Risk Assessments, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, reports, and periodic reviews. Act as Subject Matter Expert for analytical instrumentation, laboratory computerized systems, metrology practices, data integrity, and regulatory requirements. Support the selection, acquisition, commissioning, implementation, and lifecycle management of new laboratory technologies and systems. Lead technical investigations related to equipment failures, deviations, and non-conformances, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, Data Integrity requirements, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and Baxter quality standards. Coordinate and oversee activities performed by external vendors and service providers. Mentor and support engineers, technicians, and laboratory personnel through technical coaching and knowledge sharing. Support audit and inspection readiness activities and represent the function during regulatory and customer audits. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, qualification efficiency, compliance, and laboratory performance. Qualifications & Experience Master's degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience in equipment qualification, metrology, computerized systems validation, analytical laboratory engineering, or a related field within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated industries. Strong expertise in analytical instrumentation, data integrity, computerized systems validation (CSV), equipment lifecycle management, and GMP compliance. Demonstrated experience leading complex technical projects and influencing cross-functional stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining a high level of quality and compliance. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical topics into clear business decisions. Fluent in English and French (written and spoken). Why Baxter? This is where your expertise can make a real impact. At Baxter, you'll have the opportunity to influence critical decisions, lead complex technical initiatives, and collaborate with experts across functions and regions. If you're passionate about driving technical excellence, ensuring compliance in a highly regulated environment, and mentoring others while advancing healthcare for millions of patients, we'd love to hear from you. Join Baxter and help us Save and Sustain Lives. Equal Employment Opportunity Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic. Reasonable Accommodations Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Recruitment Fraud Notice Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice .