Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation, Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy

Role OverviewWe are seeking an experienced technical leader, Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation, within Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy. This role is responsible for end-to-end technical strategy for advanced robotics, modular automation systems, and digitally connected platform capabilities that enable process development, analytical operations, and manufacturing readiness for cell and gene therapy programs.The Principal Engineer will shape the future-state automation ecosystem supporting autologous and allogeneic cell and gene therapy programs by defining platform architecture, deployment models, integration strategies, and technical standards that enable scalable, compliant, and cost-effective operations across the development-to-manufacturing lifecycle. This role will serve as a senior technical authority for advanced automation platforms, with particular focus on Multiply Labs robotic biomanufacturing clusters and HighRes Biosolutions modular automation systems, while also influencing broader platform strategy, digital integration, and long-term deployment approaches.The position combines deep hands-on engineering leadership with strategic influence across scientific, technical, operational, and digital functions. The successful candidate will partner across Manufacturing Science and Technology, Process Development, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Regulatory, IT, and Digital teams to accelerate platform maturity, improve robustness and flexibility, reduce cost of goods, and strengthen readiness for clinical and commercial supply. This role will also help shape AstraZeneca’s external reputation in advanced cell and gene therapy automation through technical excellence, sound engineering judgment, and forward-looking platform innovation.This position reports to the Executive Director, Automation, Robotics & Technical Writing and is based in Santa Monica, CA or Tarzana, CA.

AccountabilitiesAutomation Strategy & Platform Leadership•    Contribute to end-to-end technical strategy for robotics and automation platforms supporting process sciences, analytics, and technology activities in cell and gene therapy.•    Define and shape the long-term automation roadmap for integrated robotic manufacturing and analytical systems, aligned to pipeline priorities, development needs, manufacturing readiness, and digital transformation goals.•    Serve as the principal technical authority for the evaluation, selection, design, deployment, lifecycle management, and evolution of advanced robotic and modular automation platforms.•    Drive platform standardization, architectural principles, and deployment models that can scale across programs, workflows, and future manufacturing environments.•    Represent the function in governance forums, platform assessments, and strategic technology reviews, influencing technical direction, investment priorities, and external technology partnerships.•    Apply a full understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and global manufacturing considerations to position AstraZeneca at the forefront of robotics-enabled cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing.Robotics Integration & Workflow Enablement•    Lead technical strategy for the evaluation, integration, deployment, and scale-up of Multiply Labs robotic clusters for end-to-end cell and gene therapy workflows, including integration with systems supporting cell isolation, genetic modification, expansion, harvest, formulation, and related unit operations.•    Lead integration and optimization of Multiply Labs robotic platforms and HighRes Biosolutions workcells for analytical operations, process development workflows, and high-throughput execution.•    Drive the design, configuration, optimization, and expansion of modular automation workcells and orchestration software to improve throughput, reproducibility, flexibility, and robustness.•    Provide hands-on engineering leadership during feasibility testing, workflow optimization, prototyping, system debugging, issue resolution, and platform refinement in close partnership with scientists and engineers.•    Optimize workflows on BD FACSDuet, Hamilton liquid handling systems, and related automation platforms to enhance performance, reliability, and analytical consistency.•    Advance high-content imaging, assay automation, sample management, and integrated workflow execution capabilities across the automation ecosystem.Digital Systems, Data Connectivity & Advanced Automation•    Own technical strategy for digital integration of robotics and automation platforms with laboratory, analytical, manufacturing, and enterprise systems.•    Partner with IT and Digital teams to define and implement connectivity with LIMS, MES, electronic batch records, ELN, cloud platforms, and other digital manufacturing and laboratory systems.•    Develop and apply digital twins, simulation models, predictive analytics, and AI/ML-enabled workflows to support process understanding, workflow design, scheduling, exception handling, and system optimization.•    Drive future-state capabilities in orchestration, autonomous operation, error recovery, and real-time decision support across complex robotic environments.•    Establish interoperable and data-centric platform approaches that support both near-term program execution and long-term commercial scalability.Validation, Compliance & Regulatory Support•    Lead and support automation risk assessments, including FMEA, system impact evaluations, and mitigation planning for integrated robotic and digital systems.•    Lead and support validation strategy and execution, including IQ/OQ/PQ, software qualification, and comparability approaches for automated workflows and integrated platforms.•    Ensure automated solutions are robust, compliant, and cost-effective, aligned with cGMP requirements, data integrity principles, and AstraZeneca quality expectations.•    Author and review critical technical documentation, including URS, functional and design specifications, SOPs, validation protocols, technical reports, and regulatory support documentation.•    Support inspection readiness and regulatory submissions by developing clear, scientifically sound, and technically defensible documentation related to automation platforms and workflow changes.Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence•    Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing Science and Technology, Process Development, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Regulatory, IT, Digital, and Supply Chain to align platform capabilities with program and business needs.•    Serve as a senior technical interface with external partners, including Multiply Labs, HighRes Biosolutions, and other vendors, shaping requirements, technical standards, implementation strategies, and future platform evolution.•    Mentor engineers and scientists in robotics, automation engineering, digitally enabled workflow design, and technical problem solving to strengthen organizational capability.•    Drive lessons learned, best practices, technical standards, and reusable engineering approaches that elevate automation excellence across the function.•    Support technology transfer, facility fit, and deployment planning for translation of automation platforms from development through clinical and commercial manufacturing environments.Required QualificationsEducation•    Ph.D. in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field with 6+ years of industry experience•    OR M.S. in a related field with 10+ years of industry experience•    OR B.S. in a related field with 12+ years of hands-on industry experienceTechnical Skills•    Demonstrated expertise in robotics, automation systems integration, modular platform design, workflow orchestration, and advanced laboratory or manufacturing automation•    Strong experience with robotic systems, collaborative automation platforms, analytical workflow automation, and custom hardware integration•    Proficiency in programming and scripting, including tools such as Python, C#, ladder logic, or equivalent automation environments•    Experience integrating automation systems with LIMS, MES, electronic batch records, ELN, and other laboratory or manufacturing informatics systems•    Strong knowledge of cGMP, validation, automation risk management, software and system lifecycle management, and data integrity•    Experience authoring and reviewing technical and validation documentation in regulated environments•    Demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and lead complex cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environmentSoft Skills•    Strong strategic thinking with the ability to shape long-term automation and digital roadmaps•    Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills•    Ability to work independently, set priorities, and deliver under time-sensitive conditions•    Exceptional systems thinking, troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving capability•    Strong mentoring and technical leadership skills with the ability to drive alignment without direct authorityPreferred Qualifications•    Direct experience with Multiply Labs, HighRes Biosolutions, Hamilton, BD FACSDuet, or comparable advanced automation platforms•    Experience with high-content imaging, flow cytometry, bioassay assay automation, and integrated sample management systems•    Experience with digital twins, simulation environments, predictive analytics, and AI/ML-enabled workflow optimization•    Experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or biologics manufacturing•    Track record of technical innovation through publications, patents, presentations, or other recognized technical contributions•    Experience supporting technology transfer, comparability, and commercial readiness for advanced therapy platforms•    Strong familiarity with the Southern California biotechnology ecosystemWork Environment•    Hybrid role based in Santa Monica and Tarzana, California•    Regular onsite presence required to support engineering activities, platform integration, and cross-functional collaboration•    Ability to travel as needed to support technology evaluations, partner engagements, and future deployment activitiesWhen we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.Compensation and BenefitsThe annual base pay for this position is expected to range from $161,000 to $240,000. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer eligibility for various incentives, including an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and leaves), and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, the employee will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay, as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program, at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or department performance, and market factors.

Why AstraZenecaAt AstraZeneca, we are building the next generation of cell and gene therapy capabilities by combining scientific innovation with advanced engineering, robotics, and digital technologies. This role offers the opportunity to define how highly automated and digitally connected platforms are adopted, scaled, and industrialized to support transformative therapies for patients.You will work at the intersection of robotics, digital transformation, process science, and manufacturing innovation, partnering with experts across science, engineering, quality, operations, and technology. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future technical direction of automation platforms that will influence how AstraZeneca develops, manufactures, and delivers advanced therapies at scale.Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours. Apply today. 

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