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 the 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 the gMSAT departments are the strategic connectors in our technology standardization framework, coordinating the collection and assessment of network-wide operational "pains" and emerging local innovations.

As a vital member within the Drug Substance Technology Deployment Group, the Robotics Technology Deployment Steward serves as the primary execution engine bridging central strategy with site-level manufacturing operations. Working in close partnership with the Robotics Technology Strategy Lead, this role supports technology scouting, translates high-level strategy into value-driven proofs-of-concept (PoCs), and leads the tactical roll-out of standardized robotics and automation solutions to directly address operational pain points across global production sites.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Drug Substance liaison for manufacturing sites, identifying operational bottlenecks, evaluating local challenges through a global network lens, and actively supporting the scouting for emerging robotics/automation solutions to drive standardized resolution.
• Partner closely with the Technology Strategy Lead to drive and shape the global/network robotics roadmap, leading hands-on operational execution, providing technical expertise, and consolidating/representing site feasibility perspectives.
• Lead cross-functional execution teams (across MSAT, Engineering, Quality, IT/OT, and Operations) to design, execute, and evaluate rapid, ROI-driven PoCs, providing data-backed recommendations to scale, pivot, or stop technologies based on business value.
• Drive post-CAPEX industrialization plans, oversee cross-functional IT/OT system integration (e.g., SCADA, MES, digital twins), and manage the operational handover by preparing site integration packages (URS, CQV/CSV) to ensure a successful transition to local site 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 CQV exposure.
• 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.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills with a track record of project completion.
• 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.

Preferred: Additional education or certifications in Business Administration (e.g., MBA), Change Management, or Systems Engineering.

Benefits

At Roche, you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted, and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer, strictly prohibiting unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay

Where pay transparency applies, details are provided based on the 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.