Chukwu Okafor
42 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
+234 802 756 4391 | chukwu.okafor@email.com | linkedin.com/in/chukokafor

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven R&D Pilot Plant Engineer with extensive experience in biopharmaceutical process development, scale-up operations, and technology transfer. Proven track record in designing, commissioning, and optimizing pilot-scale manufacturing systems for purification and downstream processing. Expertise in chromatography, filtration, and process automation with strong problem-solving capabilities and commitment to continuous improvement methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

R&D Pilot Plant Engineer
Zenith Biosciences Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria
March 2021 – Present

• Lead design and commissioning of pilot-scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing systems, including chromatography skids, filtration units, and automated purification platforms, resulting in 30% reduction in process development timelines
• Develop and optimize downstream purification processes for monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, achieving 95%+ product recovery rates and meeting stringent purity specifications
• Create detailed P&IDs, equipment specifications, and standard operating procedures for pilot plant operations, ensuring compliance with cGMP requirements and safety standards
• Manage technology transfer activities from R&D to commercial manufacturing, successfully scaling three processes to 2000L bioreactor scale with minimal process deviations
• Implement process automation solutions using SCADA systems and advanced process control strategies, reducing manual interventions by 40% and improving batch-to-batch consistency
• Lead cross-functional teams in troubleshooting complex process issues, utilizing root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies to drive sustainable solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on pilot plant operations, chromatography principles, and equipment maintenance protocols

Process Development Engineer
Meridian Pharma Solutions, Abuja, Nigeria
June 2018 – February 2021

• Designed and executed experimental studies for process characterization and optimization of protein purification unit operations, including ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity chromatography
• Developed process models using MATLAB and statistical design of experiments (DOE) to optimize resin selection, binding capacity, and elution conditions, achieving 25% improvement in productivity
• Collaborated with equipment vendors and contractors during installation and qualification of new pilot plant equipment valued at $2M+
• Performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for process monitoring and product characterization, ensuring analytical method robustness and data integrity
• Implemented 5S principles and continuous improvement initiatives in pilot plant operations, resulting in $150K annual cost savings through waste reduction and efficiency gains
• Authored technical reports, batch records, and process development protocols supporting IND and BLA regulatory submissions

Manufacturing Engineer
Ascent Biotech Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
August 2015 – May 2018

• Supported commercial-scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations for multiple product lines, ensuring on-time delivery and quality compliance
• Investigated process deviations and implemented corrective actions, reducing non-conformances by 35% over two-year period
• Designed and qualified improvements to existing manufacturing processes, including steam sterilization cycles, wastewater treatment systems, and utility distribution networks
• Managed capital projects for facility upgrades and equipment installations, coordinating with engineering contractors and ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
• Developed and revised standard operating procedures for production, cleaning, and equipment maintenance activities

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Graduated: May 2015
Thesis: "Modeling and Optimization of Chromatographic Separation Processes for Biopharmaceutical Applications"

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Graduated: May 2013
Minor: Bioengineering

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Process Engineering: Chromatography (Ion Exchange, Affinity, HIC), Filtration (TFF, Depth, Sterile), Purification, Process Optimization, Technology Transfer, Process Characterization

Equipment & Systems: Pilot Plant Design, P&ID Development, Process Automation, SCADA, Bioreactors, Chromatography Systems, Commissioning & Qualification

Software & Modeling: MATLAB, HPLC Data Analysis, Process Modeling, Statistical Analysis, DOE

Quality & Compliance: cGMP, Standard Operating Procedures, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis, Regulatory Documentation

Methodologies: Continuous Improvement, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, Project Management

CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt – Zenith Biosciences Ltd. Training Program, 2019
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety – 2016

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Member since 2015
• International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Member since 2018

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

• Co-author: "Scale-up Strategies for Protein A Chromatography in Monoclonal Antibody Purification," Journal of Chromatography B, 2022
• Presenter: "Automation of Pilot-Scale Downstream Processing: Lessons Learned," ISPE Annual Meeting, 2023