Lead Designer Clean Utilities (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer Clean Utilities (m/f/d)

Company: Exyte GmbH

Location: Basel, Basel-City, Switzerland

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Operations (Focus on Pharmaceutical/Biotech Facilities)

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of complex Clean Utilities systems for clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, ensuring adherence to GMP-regulated environments.

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in areas such as Purified Water (PW), Water for Injection (WFI), Clean Steam, and process gas distribution systems.

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, typically comprising 3 to 5 Utilities Engineers and Designers, to ensure high-quality project execution.

• Oversee the entire project lifecycle from concept development and detailed design through to project execution, commissioning, and qualification.

• Drive innovation and sustainability in technical solutions, contributing to technical excellence and knowledge sharing across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a design focus, the core responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership and project management component within an operational context. The role demands not just design proficiency but also the ability to manage teams, projects, and client requirements within a highly regulated industry. This is a strategic operational role focused on facility infrastructure for life sciences, requiring a blend of technical engineering and project delivery expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and meticulously document customer requirements for Clean Utilities systems, including specific media consumption strategies tailored for GMP-regulated environments.

• Spearhead the design and development of critical Clean Utilities systems, encompassing Purified Water (PW), Water for Injection (WFI), Clean Steam, process gases and chemical distribution systems, and process wastewater systems.

• Conceptualize and implement innovative, sustainable, and technically sound solutions for intricate projects within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

• Develop comprehensive specifications, detailed design documents, system layouts, routing concepts, accurate cost estimates, and robust project schedules.

• Provide direct technical leadership for the detailed design phase of utility systems and associated equipment, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Coordinate, mentor, and guide a team of 3 to 5 Utilities Engineers and Designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Ensure all engineering deliverables rigorously meet stringent quality standards, critical project timelines, and defined budget requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Conduct thorough reviews and provide formal approvals for all technical documentation and design packages, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

• Actively coordinate with suppliers, and provide essential support to engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities.

• Support and oversee the crucial stages of commissioning, qualification, and final acceptance of the designed systems.

• Drive active participation in cross-project knowledge sharing sessions and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Clean Utilities domain.

• Serve as the primary technical expert and point of contact for Clean Utilities within complex, multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring seamless integration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong project management and team leadership aspect, typical of a senior operational role. The scope covers the full lifecycle of utility system design and implementation, requiring a deep understanding of both technical design and project execution within the highly regulated pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience specifically focused on the design and engineering of Clean Utilities systems, with a strong preference for experience gained within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams, successfully coordinating technical project activities, and managing project lifecycles from inception to completion. Required Skills:

• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of various Clean Utilities systems, including but not limited to Purified Water (PW), Water for Injection (WFI), Clean Steam, process gases, and their associated distribution systems.

• Proven ability to define customer requirements and translate them into detailed technical specifications and design documents for regulated environments.

• Strong understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements and relevant industry standards (e.g., ISPE guidelines).

• Demonstrated experience in managing technical quality assurance, adhering to project schedules, and controlling project budgets effectively.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Fluency in English (minimum B2 level) is mandatory for effective communication in a global team.

• German language skills at C1 level are required for local operations and team collaboration. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of process wastewater systems is highly desirable, adding value to comprehensive facility design.

• Experience with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and 3D design software is advantageous for visualization and detailed planning.

• Familiarity with commissioning and qualification (C&Q) processes for pharmaceutical and biotech facilities.

• French language skills are considered a plus, supporting potential collaboration across diverse Swiss regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is elevated to "10+ Years" based on the "Lead" title and the explicit "Minimum 8 years" requirement combined with the expectation of leading teams and acting as a subject matter expert. This level of experience is critical for strategic operational roles involving complex system design and project oversight in regulated industries. The emphasis on GMP and specific utility systems points towards a specialization within engineering operations rather than generalist design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two to three comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end design and implementation of complex Clean Utilities systems (e.g., PW, WFI, Clean Steam) for pharmaceutical or biotechnology clients.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the initial client requirements, the design challenges encountered, the innovative solutions implemented, and the final project outcomes.

• Provide evidence of managing project scope, schedule, and budget constraints, demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery.

• Include examples of technical documentation produced, such as system layouts, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), specifications, and design reports.

• Highlight your role in team coordination and leadership, illustrating how you guided engineers and designers to achieve project milestones. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) for utility system design and operation.

• Present examples of workflow optimization strategies implemented to improve efficiency and reduce lead times in the design process.

• Show how you ensure compliance with GMP regulations and industry standards through robust documentation practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead Designer" title and the nature of the work in regulated industries, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application and project leadership is essential. This section outlines the expected content to showcase technical expertise, project management capabilities, and understanding of GMP requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• CHF 100,000 - CHF 140,000 per annum (Gross). This estimate is based on senior engineering and design roles within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector in Basel, Switzerland, considering the required experience level (10+ years), specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. Factors influencing the range include specific experience, depth of knowledge in all listed utilities, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Retirement savings plan (pension fund) with employer contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Support for continuous learning and skill enhancement in Clean Utilities and GMP compliance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Travel expense reimbursement for project-related travel within Switzerland.

• Access to company-provided tools and software for design and project management. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be offered to accommodate project deadlines or specific team needs, with potential for occasional overtime, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering roles in Basel, Switzerland. The benefits are typical for professional roles in similar organizations and locations, with a focus on aspects relevant to engineers and project managers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) for high-tech facilities, with a significant focus on the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries.

Company Size: Exyte GmbH is a global leader, employing over 7,000 people worldwide. This large size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for global collaboration, while operating within specific regions may retain a more focused team dynamic.

Founded: Exyte has a rich history dating back to 1912, evolving from a consulting engineering firm. This long heritage signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The Clean Utilities team is likely a specialized unit within Exyte's broader engineering or project management divisions, serving clients in the life sciences sector.

• Reporting structure typically involves reporting to a Head of Engineering, a Project Director, or a Senior Manager within the relevant business unit.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with project managers, process engineers, mechanical designers, electrical engineers, automation specialists, validation engineers, and client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Exyte likely employs rigorous project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI) and engineering best practices tailored to the EPC sector.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, continuous process improvement, and adherence to strict quality and safety standards, particularly within GMP environments.

• Utilization of advanced design tools and simulation software to optimize solutions and mitigate risks.

Company Website: https://careers.exyte.net/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: This context is derived from general knowledge of Exyte GmbH as a major global engineering firm specializing in high-tech facilities. The operations context is inferred from their industry focus, which requires robust project delivery and technical expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior or lead level within the engineering operations domain, specifically focused on facility infrastructure for life sciences. It requires significant technical depth, project leadership, team management, and client-facing capabilities. The scope extends beyond pure design to encompass project execution and technical advisory.

Reporting Structure: Typically, this Lead Designer role would report to a Project Manager, Engineering Manager, or a Director of Engineering within the relevant business unit. The individual will lead a team of 3-5 engineers and designers and collaborate extensively with other discipline leads and project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer of Clean Utilities has a