On a day-to-day basis, the Engineering Manager is responsible for orchestrating the technical execution of CDMO projects while maintaining strong alignment with commercial targets. You will lead a team of engineers and scientists, ensuring that laboratory workflows for vector construction, cell line development, and protein purification are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards.

A significant portion of your time will be spent bridging the gap between technical operations and client relations. You will attend client meetings to provide technical expertise, address complex scientific questions, and help scope out new projects. When technical issues or bottlenecks occur in the lab, you will lead the troubleshooting efforts, perform root-cause analyses, and communicate the resolution strategies directly to both internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Additionally, you will collaborate closely with regional sales managers and business unit heads to review incoming project pipelines, optimize resource allocation, and support regional growth strategies. You will also be responsible for the continuous professional development of your team, mentoring junior staff, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across your laboratory or engineering division.

Successful candidates for the Engineering Manager position must demonstrate a strong academic foundation coupled with practical, industry-proven leadership experience.

• Must-have skills & qualifications:

  • An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in molecular biology techniques, specifically vector construction, cell line development, and protein purification.
  • Proven experience in a technical leadership, project management, or supervisory role within a biotechnology, biopharma, or CDMO environment.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a calm, structured approach to handling high-pressure situations and tight deadlines.

• Nice-to-have skills & qualifications:

  • Prior experience in a client-facing technical consulting or technical account management role.
  • Fluency in multiple languages, which is highly valued given the global nature of Genscript/Probio’s client base.
  • Familiarity with commercial sales processes and territory management strategies within the life sciences industry.

Q: How deeply technical is the interview process? A: Very deep. Because you will be presenting to and interviewed by PhD-level scientists and experienced business unit heads, you should expect detailed questions about molecular biology, bioprocessing kinetics, and purification chemistry. Do not gloss over the technical details of your past work.

Q: What should I focus on during my 20-minute presentation? A: Divide your presentation logically: spend 5 minutes on your background and education, 5 minutes demonstrating your understanding of Genscript/Probio’s services, and 10 minutes outlining a concrete, structured 30-60-90 day plan for how you will approach the role and deliver value.

Q: How should I prepare for the Q&A session following the presentation? A: Expect a fast-paced, rigorous Q&A session that can last up to 45 minutes. The panel will challenge your assumptions, ask you to defend your scientific choices, and test how you react under pressure. Keep your answers concise, structured, and evidence-based.

Q: How long does the entire hiring process take? A: The timeline can vary. While some candidates receive offers within two to three weeks, others report a process of up to seven weeks. The speed often depends on how quickly the final panel interview can be scheduled with regional and divisional heads.

• Master the Product Portfolio: Before your first interview, thoroughly study the Genscript/Probio website, particularly their CDMO services, gene synthesis capabilities, and antibody drug discovery platforms. Being able to reference specific services during your interviews will set you apart.

• Structure Your 30-60-90 Day Plan: Make your transition plan realistic. Focus your first 30 days on learning internal systems and shadowing team members, the next 30 days on taking ownership of minor projects and client interactions, and the final 30 days on driving process improvements or expanding client accounts.

• Be Ready for Tricky, Out-of-the-Box Questions: Panel members may ask unexpected questions to test your critical thinking and adaptability. If you do not know the answer to a highly specific technical question, explain your logical process for finding the answer rather than guessing.

• Follow Up Professionally: Given the fast-paced nature of the hiring teams, sending a polite, professional follow-up email 24 to 48 hours after each interview round is highly recommended to keep your application top-of-mind.

The Engineering Manager position at Genscript/Probio offers an exceptional opportunity to lead high-impact technical teams at the forefront of biotherapeutic development. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge molecular biology and commercial scale-up, you will play a critical role in bringing life-saving therapies to market.

To stand out in this highly competitive process, focus your preparation on mastering the technical details of vector construction and bioprocess engineering, refining your 20-minute presentation, and demonstrating strong commercial instincts. Approach the intense panel interview with confidence, structure, and a collaborative mindset.

The compensation data reflects the competitive nature of the biotechnology and CDMO sectors. When evaluating your offer, consider the base salary alongside performance incentives, regional benefits, and the significant professional growth that comes with managing a global client portfolio at Genscript/Probio. You can explore additional interview insights, community feedback, and preparation resources on Dataford to ensure you are fully prepared for every stage of your upcoming interviews. Good luck with your preparation!