Ever wondered what a pharmaceutical process engineer does on a daily basis? What skills are essential for excelling in this role? We sat down with Robin, an expert in pharmaceutical engineering, to provide an insider’s look at his job and shed light on the expertise required for optimizing advanced pharmaceutical inspection machines, such as Visual Inspection (VI) and Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT) machines.

What is a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer?

A pharmaceutical process engineer plays a critical role in optimizing processes and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Robin’s day-to-day responsibilities include:

  • Programming Vision Software: Developing and refining software to enhance inspection accuracy.
  • Qualifying New Products: Using defect test kits and good samples to qualify new products on inspection lines.
  • Optimizing Machine Parameters: Adjusting hardware and software settings for smooth product handling and optimal image capture.
  • Enhancing High Voltage Inspection: Improving the detection of leaking containers through optimized high-voltage inspection processes.
  • Reducing False Reject Rates: Fine-tuning Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) and CCIT machines to minimize false rejections while maintaining high defect detection rates.
  • Documenting Procedures: Drafting and reviewing critical documentation, such as URS, FDS, SDS, and IQ OQ PQ protocols, to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

What is a pharmaceutical process engineer?

"I carry out vision-technical process optimisations on high-tech pharmaceutical inspection machines such as Visual Inspection and Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT) machines. This includes:

  • Programming vision software: developing and refining software to improve inspection capabilities.
  • Qualifying new products: qualification of new products on new or existing Inspection lines by using both defect test kits and good samples
  • Optimizing machine parameters: adjusting hardware and software settings to ensure a smooth product handling and image capture of the products
  • Enhancing High Voltage Inspection: optimising the High Voltage Inspection process to ensure a good detection of leaking containers on CCIT machines
  • Reducing False Reject Rates: fine-tuning Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) and CCIT machines to decrease incorrect rejections while maintaining high defect detection rates.
  • Documenting procedures: writing and reviewing critical documentation, including URS, FDS, SDS and various engineering documents such as IQ OQ PQ protocols."

Additionally, the alignment with Annex 1 of the EU GMP guidelines is crucial in Robin’s work. The revised Annex 1 emphasizes a risk-based approach to quality management in pharmaceutical manufacturing, which Robin integrates into the optimization of processes to ensure the highest standards of product quality and safety are met.

How to become a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

"I studied Industrial Automation at KU Leuven Campus Geel," Robin shares. "My fascination with improving processes led me to choose industrial engineering. Today, my role as a pharmaceutical process engineer allows me to combine my technical skills with problem-solving to optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes."

For those wanting to enter this field, a degree in engineering, coupled with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, is a great start. Experience in automation, machine learning, or data analysis can also provide an edge in this ever-evolving industry.

What Robin loves about his job as process engineer

Robin loves the variety and complexity his role offers.

"Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Whether I’m collaborating with customers, optimizing machines, or drafting protocols at eyetec, the diversity keeps me engaged. Plus, the state-of-the-art environments I work in add an exciting dimension to my role."

Working with cutting-edge technology and tackling unique challenges with various machines ensures Robin is constantly learning and growing.

Life at eyetec

Robin credits eyetec’s culture for fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

"What sets eyetec apart for me is the autonomy I have in my role, coupled with the collaborative spirit among my colleagues. eyetec not only fosters a professional environment but also promotes personal connections, turning colleagues into friends. The company supports its employees’ growth through training programs, enhancing both their personal and professional development. For instance, I have recently completed an Excel programming course and am looking forward to starting a Python course soon."

Beyond the office

When he's not optimizing pharmaceutical processes, Robin stays active with sports. He’s passionate about indoor football, regular football, and playing padel, which keep him energized and ready for the challenges of his job.

Why choose a career in Pharmaceutical Engineering?

Robin’s journey highlights the exciting possibilities in the pharmaceutical industry. Combining technical expertise, problem-solving, and collaboration, this career path offers the perfect blend of challenges and rewards. For those with a knack for innovation and a passion for technology, pharmaceutical engineering is a fulfilling and impactful career choice.

At eyetec, we are proud to have dedicated professionals like Robin who contribute their expertise and passion to deliver exceptional results for our clients.