Robotic Operations Engineer

Accountabilities

• System Uptime Leadership: Own day-to-day performance of the Tarzana robotic system with a singular focus on reliability, availability, and safety to protect production commitments and patient timelines.
• Operational Planning and Scheduling: Build and handle daily run plans, align resources, and coordinate testing and maintenance windows so robotic capacity is used efficiently and predictably.
• Real-time Triage and Recovery: Respond rapidly to system interruptions, perform safe recovery and restart procedures, and apply mechanical and technical judgment to restore operations with minimal downtime.
• Resolve and Root Cause: Diagnose operational issues across hardware, software, and integration boundaries; partner with engineering to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Data and Documentation Details: Maintain structured logs, dashboards, and issue trackers; surface performance trends and communicate clear, actionable insights to collaborators.
• Python-enabled Testing and Validation: Use basic Python scripting to implement tests, validate fixes, automate checks, and enhance diagnostic depth for faster resolution.
• Multi-functional Coordination: Collaborate daily with engineering, product, and on-site collaborators; translate operational needs into clear priorities and ensure smooth handoffs between teams.
• Compliance and Safety: Operate within governed, highly controlled environments; uphold GxP expectations and safety protocols while implementing interventions and maintenance.
• Continuous Improvement and Scaling: Convert on-the-floor findings into process improvements, SOP updates, and system enhancements that raise uptime and throughput over time.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of professional experience in robotic engineering, system integration, robotics operations, automation support, or a similar hands-on technical role.
• Experience with robotic systems, automated manufacturing systems, or laboratory automation platforms.
• Understanding of Python, including the ability to read existing code and write basic scripts to support testing, validation, automation, and solving activities.
• Familiarity with AWS deployments, cloud-based production environments, and fixing cloud-connected hardware systems.
• Experience working in GxP, regulated, or other highly controlled operational environments.
• Experience using monitoring, logging, or data visualization tools such as Grafana, Tableau, or similar platforms to trace performance and reliability trends.
• Strong mechanical and electromechanical solving skills, with the ability to diagnose system issues and differentiate between hardware, software, and integration-related root causes.
• Demonstrated ability to support and operate sophisticated technical systems in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage schedules, coordinate functional activities, and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong written and verbal skills, with ability to communicate clearly across technical teams, operational interested parties, and external partners.
• Ability to work multi-functionally with engineering, product, and operations teams to support system uptime, issue resolution, and ongoing improvements.
• Exposure to root cause analysis, issue tracking systems, and structured problem-solving methodologies in operational or engineering settings.
• Experience supporting on-site live system recovery, and technical coordination between remote and local teams.
• Comfort working in startup-style or quickly evolving operational environments where flexibility, ownership, and initiative are essential.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience with ROS, PLCs, or industrial control systems integrated with robotic cells.
• Background in biopharma manufacturing or laboratory environments involving biosafety practices.
• Proficiency with additional scripting or automation tools beyond Python (e.g., Bash, PowerShell).
• Familiarity with MES, LIMS, or digital manufacturing systems and their integration with automation.
• Hands-on exposure to edge computing, IoT gateways, or AWS IoT services for connected equipment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience configuring dashboards and alerts in Grafana or building custom data pipelines for operational telemetry.
• Practical understanding of cybersecurity in operational technology environments.