Robotics Technology Deployment Steward (Drug Substance)

About the role

Roche's demanding and changing Small Molecules, Bio, and Cell & Gene Therapy product portfolio requires shaping the manufacturing network of the future, driving global investments across different production sites. As an integral part of Pharma Technical Operations (PT), PT Global MSAT, Engineering and Sustainability (PTT) plays a key role in leading seamless industrialization and thorough technical management by integrating SHE, proactive maintenance, facility fitness, performance optimization, and scalable manufacturing technologies across the network.

Within PTT, the Global Manufacturing Science and Technology (gMSAT) departments drive front-line implementation of advanced capabilities to modernize physical operations across the Drug Substance (DS), Drug Product (DP), and Device, Packaging & Distribution (DDP) networks. The Technology Deployment Groups (TDGs) within gMSAT act as strategic connectors in the technology standardization framework, coordinating network-wide operational challenges and emerging innovations.

As a Robotics Technology Deployment Steward in the Drug Substance Technology Deployment Group, you will bridge central strategy with site-level manufacturing operations. Partnering with the Robotics Technology Strategy Lead, you will support technology scouting, translate strategy into value-driven proofs-of-concept (PoCs), and lead the tactical roll-out of standardized robotics and automation solutions to address operational pain points globally.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Drug Substance liaison for manufacturing sites, identifying operational bottlenecks and evaluating local challenges through a global network lens. Support scouting for emerging robotics/automation solutions to drive standardized resolution.
• Partner closely with the Technology Strategy Lead to co-create and execute the global robotics roadmap, providing technical expertise and consolidating site feasibility perspectives.
• Lead cross-functional execution teams (MSAT, Engineering, Quality, IT/OT, and Operations) to design, execute, and evaluate rapid, ROI-driven PoCs. Provide data-backed recommendations to scale, pivot, or stop technologies based on business value.
• Drive the end-to-end deployment lifecycle, including post-CAPEX industrialization plans, cross-functional IT/OT system integration (e.g., SCADA, MES, digital twins), and operational handover. Prepare site integration packages (URS, CQV/CSV) to ensure successful transition to local operations.

Requirements

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant hands-on industrial experience in robotics integration, complex automation deployment, or manufacturing engineering within pharmaceutical/biotech or other highly regulated industries (e.g., semiconductor, aerospace).
• Direct involvement in major Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) project lifecycles and exposure to CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and drive multi-site project deployments without direct hierarchical authority.
• Practical understanding of IT/OT integration layers (SCADA/MES) and basic data/coding literacy (e.g., Python, SQL) to evaluate system performance metrics and drive data-informed decisions.
• Demonstrated experience deploying targeted automation solutions in the Drug Substance domain, such as AMRs for heavy mobile logistics, automated fluid transfer, robotic aseptic sampling, or automated single-use system (SUS) manipulation.

Qualifications

• Bonus/Preferred: Additional education or certifications in Business Administration (e.g., MBA), Change Management, or Systems Engineering.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills with a track record of project completion.
• Data processing capabilities are a plus.

About Roche

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100,000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advancing science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in over 26 million people treated with our medicines and more than 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high to deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Primary posting location: Basel. If you are interested in additional locations where the role may be available, relevant compensation details will be provided later in the hiring process.