PCI Pharma Services

Global AI Engineer

Rockford, IL, USA Full time

Life changing therapies. Global impact. Bridge to thousands of biopharma companies and their patients.


We are PCI. 


Our investment is in People who make an impact, drive progress and create a better tomorrow. Our strategy includes building teams across our global network to pioneer and shape the future of PCI.

   

Summary of Objective:

The AI Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining AI-driven solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of our pharmaceutical packaging operations. This role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, to integrate AI technologies into our workflows. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AI/ML, experience in regulated industries, and a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex operational challenges.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The essential duties and responsibilities include the following but other duties may be assigned. 

  • Design and Develop AI/ML models to optimize packaging processes, such as automated quality control, defect detection, inventory management, and predictive maintenance for packaging equipment.

  • Design AI tools for real-time monitoring of production lines to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulatory standards.

  • Create algorithms to improve demand forecasting, supply chain logistics, and resource allocation.

  • Deployment and Integration of AI models into production environments, ensuring seamless integration with existing packaging systems, IoT devices, and enterprise software.

  • Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to integrate AI solutions with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.

  • Ensure scalability and robustness of AI tools to handle high-throughput packaging operations.

  • Maintenance and Optimization - Monitor and maintain AI systems to ensure consistent performance, reliability, and compliance with pharmaceutical regulations (e.g., FDA, EMA).

  • Continuously improve AI models by analyzing performance metrics, retraining models with new data, and incorporating feedback from operations teams.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to AI tool performance or integration.

  • Collaboration and Compliance - Work closely with quality assurance and regulatory teams to ensure AI solutions meet stringent industry standards and validation requirements

  • Partner with operations teams to identify pain points and opportunities for AI-driven process improvements.

  • Document AI system designs, processes, and validation protocols to support audits and regulatory submissions.

  • Innovation and Research - Stay updated on advancements in AI/ML, particularly in applications for manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

  • Explore emerging technologies (e.g., computer vision, NLP, reinforcement learning) to enhance packaging operations.

  • Propose and prototype new AI-driven solutions to address evolving business needs.

  • Knowledge of and adherence to all PCI, cGMP, and GCP policies, procedures, rules.

  • Performs job duties as assigned by Manager/Supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Independent and creative engineer, strong innovation and problem solving skills, no direct personnel supervision. Liaisons with key stakeholders across the organization to realize successful outcomes.  


Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the stated position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Required:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.

  • Up to 3+ years of experience in designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models in a production environment.

  • Technical Skills - Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming languages for AI/ML development.

  • Experience with ML frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).

  • Knowledge of computer vision, time-series analysis, or predictive modelling techniques.

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for model deployment and scaling.

  • Understanding of IoT, MES, or ERP systems integration.

  • Experience with data pipelines, ETL processes, and big data tools (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) is a plus Extensive experience of structured problem solving and troubleshooting techniques.

  • Advanced Computer Skills: Ability to perform the most complex computer tasks and operate various computer programs.     

  • Full Professional Proficiency: Ability to speak, read, and write fluently and accurately on all levels pertinent to professional needs. 

  • Highest Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems and deal with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases while dealing with concrete/abstract variables.

  • Ability to Travel

  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills 

  • Exceptional time management, organizational, and negotiation skills

  • Excellent communication skills, written, verbal and strong presentation skills.  Ability to motivate and lead teams by influence.

  • Able to translate customer feedback into meaningful product solutions, is a self-motivated multitasker with high attention to detail.

Preferred:

  • Certifications: Relevant certifications in AI/ML, cloud platforms, or pharmaceutical regulations.

  • Work in experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, or related life sciences.  

  • Knowledge of GAMP5, ISO 11040, and ISO 11608 standards

  • Familiarity with pharmaceutical packaging processes, GMP, or regulatory compliance is a plus.

    

The hiring range for this position is $77,600 to $101,850 annually plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including but not limited to specific and relevant experience, education, credentials, geography, and subject matter expertise. PCI offers full-time employees a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance coverage (including dental and vision), flexible spending account, and 401(k).

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Join us and be part of building the bridge between life changing therapies and patients. Let’s talk future

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
PCI Pharma Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.

At PCI, Equity and Inclusion are at the core of our company’s purpose: Together, delivering life-changing therapies. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace by holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of understanding, fairness, respect, and equal opportunity – at every level. We envision a PCI community where everyone can belong and grow, and we strive to bring this vision to reality by continuously and intentionally assessing our people practices, policies and programs, marketing approach, and workplace culture.