Meet Richard Hargis – Sr. Director, Drug Product Manufacturing at Argonaut
What’s a day in the life of a Drug Product Manufacturing Director at Argonaut?
“As the Sr. Director in Drug Product Manufacturing, every day is different,” Richard Hargis shares. His role encompasses all aspects of drug product manufacturing—from tech transfer to final packaging. Leading his team, Richard collaborates closely with clients to understand their needs, develop batch records, establish material specifications, and oversee operations to ensure that each finished product leaves the facility with the quality expectations set by our Sponsor and regulatory standards.
“It’s a lot of moving parts,” he says. “Managing schedules, troubleshooting issues, and making sure processes run smoothly are all part of the daily routine. Flexibility and problem-solving are essential in this role.”
How does your work drive Argonaut’s mission forward?
“Our work directly impacts patient outcomes, even though we don’t always see the end results,” Richard Hargis explains. “One of the most rewarding parts of my role is working on ‘N of One’ projects. These are unique manufacturing runs designed for individual patients with ultra-rare diseases. Knowing that our efforts directly affect someone’s health gives our work an incredible sense of purpose.”
What makes your role special to you?
“For me, it’s all about overcoming challenges and seeing the impact of our work,” Richard Hargis says. “Maintaining regulatory compliance is an ongoing responsibility, especially with fast-tracked projects where safety and accuracy must be upheld despite tight timelines.” He shares that this requires dedication and attention to detail.
Richard’s path into biotech was unexpected. Originally trained in manufacturing engineering, he moved to San Diego and found himself surrounded by biotech opportunities. Starting as an operator at Althea (now Ajinomoto), he worked his way up through fill-finish operations and formulation prep before transitioning into management. “I wasn’t necessarily looking for biotech, but it turned out to be a great fit,” he reflects.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is working on ‘N of One’ projects. These are unique manufacturing runs designed for individual patients with ultra-rare diseases. Knowing that our efforts directly affect someone’s health gives our work an incredible sense of purpose.”
How do your personal interests shape your approach to leadership?
Richard is a passionate surfer and enjoys San Diego’s coastal lifestyle. “I grew up skateboarding, but I always wanted to surf,” he says. “It was expensive when I was younger, but once I could afford it, I was hooked. Now, I’ve been surfing for over 20 years.”
Just like surfing, leadership at Argonaut requires balance, resilience, and adaptability. “You can’t control the waves, just like you can’t control every challenge at work. You just have to be prepared and willing to adapt.”
Can you share a moment when teamwork made the difference?
“When a client formulation required cooling, we didn’t have the equipment at first,” Richard Hargis recalls. “Working with the client, we identified and integrated the right mixing system to meet their specifications. It’s a prime example of how our team comes together to solve unique challenges, adapting and implementing solutions quickly to meet client needs.”
During Argonaut’s expansion into commercial-scale manufacturing, Richard and his team worked closely with industry experts to design a state-of-the-art facility that meets rigorous regulatory standards. “Seeing it come together has been incredibly rewarding. It’s going to make a big impact on our clients and the industry as a whole.”
What advice do you have for others pursuing a demanding career in biotech?
“Finding a work-life balance is key, though it’s not always easy,” Richard Hargis advises. “Being in a leadership role means carrying a lot of responsibility, but seeing how our work directly impacts patient lives makes it all worthwhile.”
He also stresses the importance of being open to new opportunities. “You don’t always know where your career will take you. Stay flexible, work hard, and be willing to grow into new roles as they come your way.”
“Maintaining regulatory compliance is an ongoing responsibility, especially with fast-tracked projects where safety and accuracy must be upheld despite tight timelines.”
What are your future goals at Argonaut?
Richard Hargis is passionate about continuing to grow both professionally and personally. “Right now, I’m focused on making our new facility a success and driving Argonaut’s expansion.”
On a personal level, he’s looking forward to spending more time skiing and snowboarding with his kids. “They’re getting into it, and I want to be able to keep up!”
Final Thoughts
“Working at Argonaut has been a journey of continuous learning and growth,” Richard Hargis concludes. “The industry is evolving, and so are we. I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s dedicated to making a real difference in patient outcomes.”
Argonaut is a leader in pharmaceutical, combination products and IVD contract manufacturing services with over 100K square feet of manufacturing facilities. No other life science, diagnostic, or drug product contract manufacturing organization (CMO) offers broader scale, more flexibility and faster speed to market with lower risk, and less capital expenditures.
Discover how Richard Hargis’s expertise can elevate your manufacturing processes—reach out to us today to learn more!
