Start-up Engineer

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Supply Chain Manufacturing

Job Sub Function:

Manufacturing Assembly

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Gent, East Flanders, Belgium

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

Are you inspired to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives?

CAR-T is an innovative treatment that harnesses the power of a patient’s own immune system. By genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. This groundbreaking technology offers hope to patients where other treatments have not been successful.

To support the CAR-T program in EMEA, Janssen is building two manufacturing centers in the Ghent area (Obelisc & Tech Lane).

As a Start-Up Engineer, you are part of the Build Operations team, working closely with Operations, Quality, and MSAT. You are responsible for the implementation of technology and process improvements to the CAR-T manufacturing process within EMEA, to prepare the CARVYKTI footprint for the future, these are improvement, optimization, compliance, ramp-up and/or cost driven projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Project Lead to implement Major Strategic Programs (e.g. New Technologies) and proactively manage project risks.
• Represent Operations in Process Design. Ensure Process Design & implementation plan is in line with overall site strategy for CAR-T Tech Lane, Obelisc & Beerse.
• Develop budget plan and ensure management of budget during project execution.
• Ensure facility & operational readiness in line with defined implementation plan.
• Ensure quality and compliance, including change controls, inspection readiness, and acting as spokesperson during audits.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment (QA, QC, MSAT, EHS, IT, Planning, external partners), with strong presence in global project teams.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field (e.g., Engineering, Bioscience, Pharmacy, Biochemistry) or equivalent experience is required. Candidates with a Master's degree or higher may qualify with fewer years of professional experience.
• 4 - 6 years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience in manufacturing, operations, or project management, ideally in aseptic manufacturing and GMP-regulated environments.
• Proven experience managing projects in a regulated, fast‑paced, or technology‑driven environment, with ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, and cross‑functional alignment.
• Proven ability to manage priorities, communicate clearly, and influence stakeholders
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to simplify complexity and maintain stakeholder engagement.
• Strong problem‑solving capabilities and ability to independently drive actions to completion, with a proactive, quality- and patient-focused mindset.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.

Our Offer

• The opportunity to participate in a progressive treatment that gives hope to patients in need
• The ability to help shape a new venture from the start
• An innovative and dynamic working environment
• Opportunities to continue developing and growing within a strong and expanding organization
• An open-ended contract with a competitive remuneration package

At Johnson & Johnson, we want every candidate to feel supported throughout the hiring process. Our goal is to make the experience clear, fair, and respectful of your time.

 

 

Required Skills:

 

 

Preferred Skills:

Agile Manufacturing, Assembly Operations, Compliance Management, Consulting, Developing Others, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), Manufacturing Standards, Performance Measurement, Plant Operations, Predictive Analytics, Problem Solving, Project Management, Supervision, Technologically Savvy, Validation Master Plans

  

 

The anticipated base pay range for this position is:

€72.500,00 - €115.230,00

 

 

Benefits:

In addition to base pay, we offer the following benefits*: an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location, where the actual amount is based on the employees’ and companies’ performance of the previous calendar year, or sales commissions. Moreover, we offer vacation days, parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave, well-being reimbursement, programs for financial, physical and mental health. We also offer service anniversary and recognition awards, and subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees - and in some location’s eligible dependents - can participate in several insurance plans. For more information, visit Employee benefits | Supporting well-being & career growth | Johnson & Johnson Careers.

 

*This is for informative purposes only. Amounts and actual benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.