Ever wondered what a pharmaceutical engineer does on a daily basis and what skills are required for the role? We sat down with Robin to shed light on these questions and get a glimpse into his work. As a pharmaceutical process engineer, Robin focuses on optimizing the performance of cutting-edge pharmaceutical inspection machines like Visual Inspection and CCIT machines. His responsibilities include programming vision software, qualifying new products on inspection lines, optimizing hardware and software parameters, enhancing the high voltage inspection process for detecting leaking containers, reducing false reject rates, and ensuring a high detection rate of defects while optimizing yield.

What a job as a pharmaceutical process engineer involves 

"I carry out vision-technical process optimisations on high-tech pharmaceutical inspection machines such as Visual Inspection and Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT) machines. This includes:

  • Programming vision software: developing and refining software to improve inspection capabilities.
  • Qualifying new products: qualification of new products on new or existing Inspection lines by using both defect test kits and good samples
  • Optimizing machine parameters: adjusting hardware and software settings to ensure a smooth product handling and image capture of the products
  • Enhancing High Voltage Inspection: optimising the High Voltage Inspection process to ensure a good detection of leaking containers on CCIT machines
  • Reducing False Reject Rates: fine-tuning Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) and CCIT machines to decrease incorrect rejections while maintaining high defect detection rates.
  • Documenting procedures: writing and reviewing critical documentation, including URS, FDS, SDS and various engineering documents such as IQ OQ PQ protocols."

Robin's educational background

"I studied Industrial Automation at KU Leuven Campus Geel. I have always been fascinated by processes and in discovering ways to improve them. Therefore, Industrial Engineering was an obvious choice for me. My  role as a process engineer in the pharmaceutical industry offers me the perfect opportunity to put my skills and knowledge into practice."

What Robin loves about his job as process engineer

"I thrive on the diversity and complexity of my work. I enjoy collaborating with different customers, tackling unique challenges with various machines, and constantly learning. Whether I’m on-site at a customer’s facility or drafting protocols at eyetec's offices, each day presents new opportunities and challenges. The state-of-the-art manufacturing environments I work in add an extra layer of excitement to my role."

Life at eyetec

"What sets eyetec apart for me is the autonomy I have in my role, coupled with the collaborative spirit among my colleagues. eyetec not only fosters a professional environment but also promotes personal connections, turning colleagues into friends. The company supports its employees’ growth through training programs, enhancing both their personal and professional development. For instance, I have recently completed an Excel programming course and am looking forward to starting a Python course soon."

Beyond the office

When he's not optimizing pharmaceutical processes, Robin stays active with sports. He’s passionate about indoor football, regular football, and playing padel, which keep him energized and ready for the challenges of his job.

At eyetec, we are proud to have dedicated professionals like Robin who contribute their expertise and passion to deliver exceptional results for our clients.