Principal Project Manager

Principal Project Manager

Location: Vacaville, CA – Onsite

Join our Lonza Vacaville team as a Principal Project Manager, where you’ll lead complex capital projects and tech transfers that directly shape the future of biologics manufacturing. This is an opportunity to deliver high-impact engineering projects in one of the world’s largest mammalian manufacturing facilities.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $158,000-$268,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• 401(k) matching plan

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employee assistance programs

• Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do

• Lead the successful planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure of medium and large-scale capital projects and tech transfers within a complex cGMP manufacturing environment.

• Oversee all phases of engineering project execution—including scope development, design, construction, safety, commissioning, turnover, and project close-out.

• Ensure all project spending meets budget targets and that delivery aligns with established timelines and quality standards.

• Proactively communicate project objectives, risks, milestones, and success criteria with site leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Mentor and train project managers, support development of standard work processes, and drive continuous improvement in project management and execution practices.

• Partner closely with Procurement to develop and manage contracts that meet site needs, and coordinate with Lonza Global Engineering teams to ensure alignment.

• Lead project teams, manage internal and external resources, resolve conflict, and engage with senior stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, or a related scientific discipline (Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred).

• Extensive experience managing complex tech transfer and CAPEX projects within a regulated (preferably cGMP) environment.

• Proven expertise in both Traditional and Agile project management methodologies.

• Strong skills in project delivery including WBS creation, estimating, risk analysis, schedule development, budgeting, and cGMP quality requirements.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications, schedules, and cost reports.

• Proficiency with computerized project planning and related software tools.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and manage multiple complex project teams simultaneously.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.