Decision Analytics Associate Consultant - Process Engineer (Manufacturing)

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
ZS's Insights & Analytics group partners with healthcare and life sciences clients to solve complex manufacturing and operations challenges using data, engineering rigor, and structured problem solving.
We are seeking a Decision Analytics Associate Consultant with a process engineering / manufacturing background to support projects focused on designing, optimizing , and scaling pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing processes.
The role applies foundational shop-floor manufacturing and quality knowledge to structured problem-solving, data analysis, and process mapping, working closely with senior consultants and domain experts to develop client-ready insights and recommendations .
This role is ideal for an early-career engineer ( at least 3-5 years of experience ) who has worked in or closely with manufacturing operations (e.g., biologics, sterile/aseptic, advanced therapy, or small-molecule facilities) and manufacturing quality , and is interested in applying that experience in a consulting environment.
What y ou'll d o: As an Associate Consultant in Manufacturing, you will:

• Support process design and optimization work across drug substance and drug product manufacturing (e.g., upstream, downstream, utilities, fill-finish) under the guidance of senior team members.

• Help map current-state processes , identify bottlenecks, and contribute to recommendations that improve throughput, quality, safety, and efficiency.

• Perform data-driven analyses using production, quality, and equipment data (e.g., yields, cycle times, deviations) and translate findings into clear, structured outputs (slides, exhibits, process maps).

• Contribute to facility and equipment design discussions , including process flow, layout, and concepts for multi-product or highly automated operations.

• Help prepare and , at times, participate in client presentations, workshops, and design reviews , clearly communicating your analyses and supporting senior team members during discussions.

• Collaborate with ZS colleagues to execute project workplans , manage assigned workstreams, and ensure timely , high-quality deliverables.

• Work with analytics and digital specialists to leverage data from systems such as MES, historians, LIMS, QMS, and ERP to track KPIs and identify improvement opportunities.

• Support internal practice development , including contributing to knowledge assets, case studies, and tools related to process optimization and manufacturing excellence.

What y ou'll b ring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or a closely related discipline).

• A t least 3-5 years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or technical operations within life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals, or related process industries .

• Exposure to commercial manufacturing operations (DS/DP/FG ) with an understanding of upstream, downstream, and fill-finish processes .

• Hands-on exposure to manufacturing and quality systems , such as MES, LIMS, SAP/ERP, and eQMS .

• Exposure to process design and improvement , such as:

• Supporting changes to unit operations or equipment

• Assisting with capacity / throughput analyses

• Participating in investigations, root cause analysis, process improvement and equipment optimization

• Supporting process mapping, bottleneck identification, and shop-floor studies

• Familiarity with cGMP environments and cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Validation, and Manufacturing teams. Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, deviation investigations, CAPA, change controls or start-up is a plus.

• Basic understanding of ICH guidelines and Quality by Design ( QbD ) concepts is a plus .

• Comfort working with data and basic analytics (e.g., Excel, basic statistical analysis, visualization tools) to support problem solving and decision making.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills , with the ability to work as part of multi-disciplinary teams and explain technical concepts in a clear, structured way.

• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and learning mindset , with an interest in building both engineering and consulting skills.

• Willingness to travel to client sites , as needed, to support on-the-ground client-facing interactions, assessments and implementation activities.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:
At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States , visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
Salary: $117,500.00 - $155,000.00