Civil Engineer (Pharma)

A major pharmaceutical manufacturer in Lyon is launching multiple new investments and is seeking an experienced Civil Engineer to support pre‑project and concept design activities. This is a 12‑month contract with a clear intention from the client to transition the consultant into a permanent role at the end of the project, provided the collaboration is successful.

The ideal engineer has hands‑on experience designing GMP‑regulated facilities, understands the structural and architectural constraints of cleanroom‑integrated buildings, and can deliver high‑quality civil/structural design work in a fast‑moving, multi‑project environment.
Fluency in French is essential, as the role requires daily interaction with local stakeholders, authorities, and contractors.

This is a technical design role, not a project management position. The client needs someone who can translate process and GMP requirements into robust building concepts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to pre‑project, concept, and basic design for new pharmaceutical buildings and facility upgrades.
• Produce civil and structural design packages, including:
• Building layouts and structural concepts
• Foundations, load‑bearing structures, and utilities integration
• Interfaces with cleanrooms, technical areas, HVAC zones, and controlled environments
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HSE, and French building regulations.
• Collaborate closely with process, HVAC, electrical, and cleanroom engineering teams.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and constructability discussions.
• Support cost estimation and planning during early project phases.
• Provide technical input for tender documents and contractor interactions.
• Work across multiple concurrent projects with shifting priorities.

Profile & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience designing buildings or infrastructure for pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated industrial environments.
• Solid understanding of cleanroom integration and GMP‑driven building constraints.
• Proven experience in pre‑project / concept design phases.
• Comfortable working in a multi‑disciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong knowledge of French building codes and standards.
• Fluent in French (spoken and written).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Available to start quickly and commit to a long‑term engagement.

Why This Role

• Influence major pharmaceutical investments from the earliest design stages.
• Long‑term potential: the client intends to hire the consultant permanently after the initial 12‑month mission.
• Multi‑project exposure in a dynamic, growing site.
• Work in a team that values technical excellence and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.