Digital Automation Engineer, Cell Therapy

AstraZeneca • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $103,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Digital Automation Engineer supports the design, development, and integration of digital manufacturing and automation solutions for Cell Therapy operations under the guidance of senior engineers and technical leads. The role provides hands-on experience in software development, AI applications, robotics integration, and manufacturing application development within a regulated GMP manufacturing environment. It is intended for an early-career engineer with programming fundamentals and an interest in applying AI, robotics, and software engineering to manufacturing challenges in Cell Therapy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation/Mechatronics Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 2 years of software development experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or professional roles.
• Foundational programming skills in one or more languages, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or C#, or similar languages.
• Basic understanding of AI/machine learning concepts gained through coursework, projects, or self-study.
• Exposure to robotics, automation, or embedded systems through coursework, internships, or personal projects.
• Familiarity with application development fundamentals, including APIs, databases, and version control such as Git.
• Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Academic, internship, or personal project experience applying AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Exposure to robotics platforms, PLCs, or industrial automation equipment.
• Familiarity with low-code manufacturing platforms such as Tulip or manufacturing execution systems (MES/LIMS).
• Interest or coursework in Cell Therapy, biologics, pharmaceutical, or regulated (GxP) manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of industrial connectivity protocols such as OPC-UA and MQTT.
• Familiarity with Agile development practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain software applications and scripts that support manufacturing execution, automation, and digital workflows under senior-engineer guidance.
• Write clean, well-documented code in Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, or similar languages; participate in code reviews, unit testing, and debugging.
• Support development of low-code/no-code manufacturing applications, such as Tulip, for shop-floor execution and operator workflows.
• Assist with building and testing APIs and integrations between manufacturing systems.
• Support development, training, and testing of AI/ML models for manufacturing use cases, including predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and process optimization.
• Assist with data collection, cleaning, and preparation for AI/ML projects; learn and apply foundational AI/ML frameworks under mentorship.
• Contribute to proof-of-concept projects exploring AI-driven manufacturing intelligence.
• Assist in integrating robotics platforms, automation equipment, and OT systems with digital manufacturing platforms.
• Support configuration and testing of middleware and industrial connectivity protocols such as OPC-UA and MQTT.
• Participate in troubleshooting automation and robotics interfaces under supervision.
• Document integration processes, equipment telemetry, and automation workflows.
• Support day-to-day operation and continuous improvement of MES, LIMS, and manufacturing orchestration platforms.
• Assist with testing, validation, and deployment of new digital manufacturing applications.
• Help troubleshoot application issues and escalate complex problems to senior team members.
• Contribute to documentation of system configurations and standard operating procedures.
• Partner with Manufacturing Operations, Automation Engineering, Quality, and Digital IT teams on assigned projects.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Seek mentorship from senior engineers and pursue ongoing learning in GxP compliance, Cell Therapy manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
• Equity-based awards for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement programs.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
• Health coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

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