Science and Lab Specialist
McMillan| Pazdan | SmithDescription: Role Description Leadership role that blends strategic client alignment with deep technical expertise to secure and guide initiatives across pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, materials science, aerospace/defense, and other advanced manufacturing environments—including cGMP facilities, utilities, laboratories, and controlled manufacturing spaces—in existing facility renovations and new construction. Translate complex scientific requirements, mechanical engineering demands, and strict hazard regulations into safe, highly functional building designs. Help organizations design, program, and optimize efficient, future-proof R&D and production environments in multiple industry sectors (e.g. materials science, life sciences, aerospace/defense, automotive, chemicals, interdisciplinary science). Programming & feasibility: understand and define space metrics, workflows, equipment, infrastructure, and chemical requirements. Master planning: design long-range campus and facility plans for growth, reconfiguration, and asset repositioning. Technical spaces: understand specialized mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems required to support research and production environments including labs, containment areas, vivaria, and other spaces with fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, gas piping, pure water systems, etc. Compliance & safety: align facility layouts with environmental, health and safety regulations. Determine how chemicals will be stored, moved, and disposed of within the facility. Calculate Control Areas to comply with NFPA regulations and MAQ of hazardous materials. Provide expert guidance on lab design, regulatory compliance, workflow optimization, and equipment validation for R&D, prototype/scale-up, advanced manufacturing, industrial hygiene, and chemical or pharmaceutical testing facilities. Optimize spatial layouts, airflow, containment, and safety protocol. Navigate safety and quality standards like ISO/IEC 17025, AIHA-LAP, and OSHA requirements Workflow and process optimization: implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to cut waste and improve sample turnaround times. Equipment and technology selection: advise on instrumentation, LIMS, and automation integration. Meet with new and existing clients to develop lasting relationships through the creation of innovative designs. Provide subject matter expertise to help clients define their needs and develop the most efficient, best in class solutions for their capital projects. Drive business development across GMP-regulated manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, and food & beverage clients — cultivating executive-level relationships, identifying capital program opportunities, and positioning the firm as a trusted consulting partner. Lead complex client engagements across the supply chain, from lab to scale-up to warehousing, and manufacturing, from early concept through design and delivery. Provide expert analysis and leadership in developing facility optimization strategies, incorporating automation, throughput modeling, layout planning, and operational workflows. Collaborate with clients to align facility design with their long-term business and supply chain objectives, ensuring measurable value creation across cost, service, and efficiency. Apply sound business judgment and cross-functional insight to guide integrated solutions that combine architectural planning and design, engineering design, operational planning, and capital investment strategy. Desired Qualifications: Specialized technical facility planning and design experience (research, development, prototyping, production). New construction & facility transformations. Safety, efficiency, and workflow optimization. Regulatory consulting. Chemical and hazardous materials management. 10+ years of AEC consulting experience leading planning, programming, concept design and early-phase capital planning for technically complex research, development, man…