Manager, Construction Engineering

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) brings life-saving research to the real world by helping life science innovators bridge the gap between academic research and commercial product development. We are driven, compassionate, and laser focused on making a dramatic positive impact with everything we undertake. 

When you join API, you are part of a rapidly growing team that is creating collaborative opportunities to commercialize Canadian life sciences discoveries, increasing the amount of commercial research and development in the country, and supporting Alberta as a key pillar in Canada's life sciences sector.

You will be part of one of API's most important projects, the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI). The CCDI is a project led by API in partnership with the University of Alberta. It aims to establish an integrated research, commercialization, and manufacturing cluster in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

Part of the project is the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC), which will be a new 83,000+ square-foot manufacturing facility located on a 7-acre plot of land in the center of the Edmonton Research Park. This facility is set to be Canada's largest and best-equipped of its kind. The CMPC's focus will be on producing small-molecule product solutions, conducting sterile, aseptic fill, and finishing traditional and biologic drugs to meet drug shortages needs.

** Please note this position requires full-time on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities, include but are not limited to: 

Construction Activities: 

• Work with the Construction Manager (external) and control the master project schedule with input from subcontractors to ensure the project is running efficiently and effectively
• Review contracts with the Project Manager to ensure scope of work and schedules are accurate and feasible.
• Notify API Equipment Engineering team of requirements for project.
• Conduct constructability reviews (including 2- and 3-dimensional) to bring value to the construction execution stage.
• Review and control daily construction operations, for example correct piping, correct electrical connections.
• Direct and control complex construction activities daily like Clean-Room installation, together with utility systems and complex equipment for GMP-manufacturing
• Develop and measure productivity on site to measure planned progress against actual.
• Maintain daily and ongoing reporting to track site progress.
• Communicate daily with the Construction Manager and project team on the status of construction including any concerns or discrepancies that may require escalation.
• Attend internal and external meetings throughout the project and give input for construction activities
• Review construction QA/QC activities and escalate deficiencies

Qualification Activities: 

• Assist the Equipment Engineering Manager in Qualification activities.
• Assist the CSV-Manager and IT-Manager in the oversight of the construction and qualification of the complex IT-Infrastructure
• Review with the construction manager commissioning plans and give input for example for complex HVAC-systems, WFI and clean steam systems
• Oversight of commissioning execution
• Qualifying complex pharmaceutical air systems and Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Review SAT-protocols and ensure the readiness for example necessary connection with utilities
• Perform with Equipment engineering manager SATs
• Compile and review GMP, FMEA based risk-assessment for new equipment and processes
• Prepare with Equipment Qualification Manager IQ and OQ-Protocols
• Perform together with Equipment Engineering Manager IQ/OQ on site, write and review IQ/OQ-reports
• Prepare together with the TO-team PQ-plans and protocols.
• Assist in Qualification of Clean rooms (e.g. smoke studies)
• Assist in Media-fill plans and reports
• Assist in CSV (computer system validation) activities for equipment and new IT systems

Qualifications - (Education, Certification, Degree, Skills, Knowledge, etc.)

Education

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering-related science discipline, preferably with experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Experience:

• Proven work experience in process and/or mechanical and/or electrical and/or qualification engineering
• Excellent technical skills
• Knowledge of process related standards
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations
• 3+ years of experience with process, mechanical design and/or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry
• Management in Departmental Expenses and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
• Prepared User Requirement Specifications (URS) and related documentation for process equipment and utilities
• Familiarity with Data Management - Integrity and Records
• Extensive knowledge and applied experience in project management principles
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage full range of project work, from small details to the big picture, with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership, team building, and relationship management.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical industry construction activities
• Current Professional Engineer (PEng) license, preferred.
• Experience over a wide range of pharmaceutical equipment preferred.
• Experience in validating pharmaceutical air systems and Building Management Systems (BMS), preferred.
• Experience with GAMP 5 practices (Good Automated Manufacturing Practices V), preferred.
• Proficient with computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), preferred.

Personal Competencies

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams toward project success
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
• Analytical problem-solving and clear communication skills
• Relationship building, influencing, advocating, and negotiating capabilities
• Comfort with ambiguity and cultural differences
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Effective in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Proactive, analytical, results-oriented, and creative
• Fosters transparent, honest, and positive team environment
• Results-driven and process-oriented

Working Conditions:

• Required travel between Edmonton API sites
• Maybe required to travel to several worldwide locations of vendors/suppliers especially Canada, USA and Europe.
• This position requires you to be on site.
• Office settings and daily work on construction site including PPE.
• Exposure to chemicals, machinery and equipment.

Additional Required Documents to Support Application

• Applications submitted without a resume AND cover letter will not be reviewed.

Perks and Benefits at API

Comprehensive Health Coverage: At API, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We offer a comprehensive health coverage plan. Our premiums are 100% covered, ensuring that you and your dependents receive the necessary healthcare support.

Payment in Lieu of Pension: API provides an additional 15% of your annual base salary, as an alternative to traditional pension benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities: We foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. API provides access to various professional development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications. We encourage employees to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the life sciences industry.

Collaborative and Inclusive Environment: At API, we believe in the power of collaboration and diversity. We foster an inclusive work environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We promote teamwork, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are valued.

Generous Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of taking time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. API offers a generous paid time off (PTO) policy that includes vacation days, medical/personal days, and holidays. We encourage our employees to prioritize their well-being and enjoy quality time away from work.

Green Transit Allowance: Employees based out of an office are eligible to enroll in our green transit program, which promotes the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By participating in the program, you commit to making green transit your primary mode of transportation for at least 75% of your commute to and from work. Green transit includes walking, biking, carpooling, and public transportation.

Work From Home: Eligible employees are entitled to 20 Work from Home days, this is subject to job function, company needs, and manager approval.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest in the position and why they believe they are a strong candidate.

We appreciate all applicants' interest and will only contact those selected for interviews.

If you have any questions about the application process or require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact .

Our team, clients, and stakeholders come from a variety of backgrounds. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that all people bring to the workplace in terms of varied lived experiences, education, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, neurodiversity, and cognitive and physical ability.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to meet the requirements of a pre-employment screening, which includes background reference checks, educational credential verification, and criminal reference checks.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Application Deadline: December 18, 2025