Associate Automation Engineer

Genentech • Oceanside, CA

6d • $61,600 - $114,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Automation Engineer is an integral part of the Oceanside Automation, Data/Digital team within MSAT, supporting the site’s digitalization and data-driven efforts. As a designated Pivotal/Launch site for Phase III and commercial stage products, this large-molecule facility requires an agile individual who is eager to learn, comfortable with ambiguity, and thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. In this role, you will support daily manufacturing operations and technology transfers by collaborating on automation and data/digital initiatives across various functions. Working with minimal supervision, the successful candidate will assist with qualification protocols, help maintain the validated state of control systems, and contribute to small-scope projects while actively developing their technical capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechatronics preferred) or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in automation, engineering, or a related technology field.
• Strong desire to learn and adapt to biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, control systems, and design concepts.
• Foundational understanding of basic engineering principles, automation, or control theories.
• Familiarity with foundational programming tools (e.g., Python, GitHub), databases, querying tools, and data visualization concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles to solve technical problems independently and make sound decisions under ambiguous conditions.
• Aptitude and enthusiasm for learning, adapting, and applying emerging digital technologies, including AI/ML tools, to manufacturing data.
• Ability to learn and comply with cGMP requirements (including gowning, documentation, and compliance procedures) for performing work within a manufacturing facility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting technical processes and participating in team discussions.
• Self-motivated with the ability to drive technical deliverables independently with minimal oversight.

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship, co-op, or academic project experience within a biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated GMP environment is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Owns and executes small to medium scope automation engineering, data/digital services for existing facility projects, including upgrades, capacity expansions, and equipment replacements.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to analyze existing manufacturing workflows and suggest data-driven improvements.
• Support the generation, execution, and review of qualification protocols (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification).
• Participate in drafting and updating GMP Lifecycle Documents (e.g., risk documents, trace matrices, and periodic reviews).
• Manages and tracks the progress of change records and supporting business process updates with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with team members in the start-up, troubleshooting, and real-time floor support of automation and critical process utility systems.
• Participate actively in site coordination, department, and staff meetings to foster cross-functional alignment.
• Maintain all mandatory training qualifications and proactively seek opportunities to expand technical knowledge.
• Support environmental health, safety, and security programs by reporting incidents and fostering a positive safety culture where no one gets hurt.

Benefits

• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
• The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
• If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level