Biologics Manufacturing Technical Expert III

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

5d•$126,820 - $164,120•Hybrid

About The Position

Gilead Sciences is seeking exceptional, hands-on technical experts in Biologics Drug Substance Single-Use GMP Manufacturing who thrive at the intersection of strategy, technical innovation, and real-world execution. In this role, you will execute critical elements of the design, startup, and operation of a new, state-of-the-art Single Use DS Biologics Manufacturing facility in Foster City. This is a rare opportunity to help build a facility from the ground up—while also being on the floor ensuring the solutions you develop truly work. This role is intentionally designed as a hybrid technical and execution role, with presence on the manufacturing floor to directly impact operations and continuously translate real‑world experience into improved processes, documentation, and strategy. This highly dynamic role requires deep technical experience within biologics DS operations and single‑use technologies, a builder’s mindset—comfortable shifting between long‑range strategy and detailed, hands‑on execution, collaboration across cross‑functional project, engineering, Quality, and operations teams, adaptability and ownership, with a willingness to take on whatever is needed to successfully start up and run a new facility, and integrity, commitment to cGMP compliance, and a commitment to always act in the best interests of our patients. You will alternate seamlessly between design decisions (facility, equipment, documentation, manufacturing strategy) and tactical GMP execution during startup and ongoing operations. This role is ideal for technical experts who want to both architect the future, actively bring it to life, and support its ongoing operation. We’re seeking trailblazers—collaborative, action‑oriented technical experts who are energized by complex problems, motivated by building new capabilities, and driven to leave a legacy through their solutions and the knowledge they share.

Requirements

BS with at least 5 years of applied industry experience
Applied experience across at least two of the following technical dimensions coupled with a passion for learning and curiosity to expand and lend a hand across all areas. Please note that each applicant is not expected to have deep experience across all the below areas to be qualified - we are seeking to build a cohesive and high performing team that collaboratively covers this space with a complementary diversity of skills, strengths, and experience. The ultimate level of the position will depend on the business and technical scope taken on by the successful candidate, which will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and demonstrated capabilities.
On-the-floor experience as a plant technician and/or front-line supervisor within a licensed Biologics DS manufacturing facility utilizing Single Use Technologies
Design, commission/qualification, validation and operational startup of cGMP Biologics manufacturing facility, utilities, process and analytical equipment
Single Use Technology (SUT) systems (equipment and consumables) engineering design, selection, use, and performance trending for cGMP Biologics manufacturing
Design and implementation of risk-based cGMP controls applied to processes, equipment, facilities and documentation, including Contamination Control Strategy design and practical application
CHO based Biologics Drug Substance process design, development, process validation, and tech transfer from lab/pilot plant to manufacturing production floor and/or between manufacturing sites from cell banking to formulated DS
Process automation, controls engineering, manufacturing data management, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) recipe design and use (Emerson DeltaV, PI, Inductive Automation Ignition, Korber PAS-X, and SAP experience preferred)
Digital manufacturing process design, digital lifecycle management, process parameterization, and digital tech transfer
Practical application of AI and advanced digital solutions to generate concrete business value, drive measurable efficiency, and enhance employee engagement/satisfaction in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations
cGMP Biologics Manufacturing Quality Assurance, application of Quality Risk Management, QA plant floor oversight, and Quality Auditor experience
Innovative approaches to manufacturing optimization, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while achieving quality, compliance, and risk management objectives
Human proficiency development for GMP activities, including comprehensive proficiency development solutions spanning training, learning, skills augmentation, skills assessment, content design, integrated content delivery, and proficiency monitoring
Health Authority (HA) requirements (FDA, EMA, ICH) and inspections associated with cGMP biologics manufacturing, including a solid understanding of the expectations for both clinical and commercial manufacturing controls

Nice To Haves

Creativity: Apply your expert knowledge to design simple, intuitive, and scalable solutions for the facility, equipment, and operational practices.
Collaboration: Build alliances across functions with an Enterprise‑First mindset. Embrace constructive debate as an opportunity to improve outcomes and approach differing viewpoints with curiosity and respect. Share knowledge broadly, challenge the status quo with constructive, forward‑looking ideas.
Curiosity: Exhibit a passion for exploring new ideas and diverse perspectives, an appreciation for the value of learning through experimentation, and the courage to share failures in the pursuit of knowledge.

Responsibilities

Support first time execution readiness for unit operations, systems, and workflows. Perform dry runs, engineering runs, and end-to-end execution walkthroughs to identify gaps prior to GMP go-live.
Act as a technical first responder during campaigns to stabilize operations and resolve issues in real time.
Directly execute and document key operations on the plant floor in full compliance with cGMP expectations.
Execute full‑scale process and equipment validation studies.
Stay current on industry best practices in single‑use biologics manufacturing and champion adoption within Gilead.
Provide manufacturing end-user input to facility, equipment, and automation design decisions.
Support implementation and manufacturing workflow development for the startup of digital manufacturing and data solutions in collaboration with automation, engineering, and information technology teams.
Participate in and support risk assessments and startup readiness activities for new equipment, processes, and workflows.
Partner with Technical Development to provide manufacturability input on process platforms, and include new process requirements into equipment, automation, and documentation updates.
Develop innovative, intuitive, and pragmatic solutions to complex technical challenges.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase yield, optimize capacity, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance compliance, and ensure safety.
Compliantly apply AI tools to enhance productivity for yourself and the team. Identify opportunities to develop specialized AI tools and digital manufacturing solutions within your area of technical expertise.
Represent Foster City Manufacturing as a member of cross-functional project teams.
Act as an internal spokesperson for the organization in your area(s) of technical expertise.
Model inclusive, transparent decision-making, combining diversity in thought and perspective with consistency and clarity in accountability.
Exemplify Gilead’s Core Values—integrity, inclusion, teamwork, excellence, accountability.
Translate process design and engineering documentation into clear, executable operational SOPs, work instructions based on hands-on execution during startup.
Author and review GMP documentation (SOPs, work instructions, batch records, automation recipes, training materials, validation protocols/reports).
Initiate, investigate, and support CAPAs for GMP deviations within your areas of expertise.
Participate in Quality Risk Management (QRM) activities, ensuring balanced and science‑based Quality and Compliance decisions.
Support health authority interactions during site inspections and regulatory submissions.