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Director, Process Engineering (Hybrid)

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Engineering

Posted Sep 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about managing managers rather than engineers.

What they are checking: The posting has them working through section managers, and four years of management is required.

Walk me through a time you represented a site in a regulatory inspection.

What they are checking: The posting names representing AbbVie during regulatory audits with active participation.

Tell me about a process optimization that took real cost out.

What they are checking: The posting names process optimization, cost avoidance and cost reduction as continuing objectives.

What would you do

How do you work with quality when they and manufacturing want different things?

What they are checking: The posting has them partnering with both, and the two do not always agree.

How do you develop a technical specialist who does not want to manage?

What they are checking: The posting names coaching and mentoring a highly specialized staff, most of whom will stay technical.

How do you keep health and safety real rather than a slide?

What they are checking: The posting makes them responsible for the team following HSE practice and having the resources to.

About the work

Tell me about the pharmaceutical manufacturing you have supported and at what scale.

What they are checking: The posting requires ten years in pharmaceutical formulation, so depth is checked first.

How do you manage the handover between pilot scale and full-scale manufacture?

What they are checking: The posting calls the director the seamless link between the two, which is where products fail.

How do you build a cost estimate and a contingency plan you would actually stand behind?

What they are checking: The posting names cost estimates, business plans, timelines and contingency plans together.

Tell me about a capital project you took through execution.

What they are checking: The posting names capital plan input and capital project execution.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

The Process Engineering department supports technical and scientific activities related to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products in AbbVie facilities or in contract facilities. The Director, through his/her section managers and direct reporting lines, will manage a technically diverse staff of highly specialized engineers and scientists. He/she is a key link between development organizations and operations/third party contract manufacturers and ensures a seamless link between pilot scale and full-scale manufacture. The director is accountable for all the activities of the department and provides technical/scientific and business leadership for the department. The director partners with manufacturing and quality in the identification, definition, and execution of projects and delivers technical requirements for the launch of products and supports the development of innovative solutions to problems and opportunities. Responsibilities • Communicates and collaborates with internal (manufacturing, quality, engineering, S&T and other areas) and external partners to provide effective technical and business leadership in line with site goals and objectives. • Maintain and direct a highly diversified cross functional staff of professionals to ensure that all aspects of CMC life cycle management are completed on time, within budget and meet highest scientific, regulatory, quality, marketing and commercial standards • Develops engineering objectives and strategies that advance the site, and continually looks for opportunities for process optimization, cost avoidance and cost reduction. • Develop and communicate cost estimates, business plans, timelines and contingency plans to accomplish project and departmental objectives within agreed time scope. • Participate in capital plan input and capital project execution to advance manufacturing capabilities • Make final decisions related to project responsibilities • Represent AbbVie during audits to regulatory agencies (US/ROW as appropriate) by supplying verbal or written information with active participation. • Responsible for ensuring that all members of the Engineering team follow all Company guidelines related to Health, Safety and Environmental practices and that all resources needed to do so are available and in good condition. • Provide leadership, coaching, training, and mentoring to direct reports. Negotiates, secures, oversees and ensures that all resources are available to meet the demands of the projects and site goals. • Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) is required to provide technical expertise. • 10 + years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry formulation, including at least 4+ years of managerial experience. • Knowledge of AbbVie Engineering standards. • Demonstrated leadership and team building skills. • Strong problem-solving abilities. • Proven track record of managing projects through to completion. • Excellent communication skills with layers of management. Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.​ AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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