Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation, Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy
Role Overview
We 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.
Accountabilities
Automation 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 Qualifications
Education - 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 experience
Technical 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.
Soft 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 authority.
Preferred 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 ecosystem.