Principal Automation Engineer

Genentech • Hillsboro, OR

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Genentech’s Hillsboro Oregon campus—Hillsboro Innovative Therapies (HIT)—serves as a critical hub for emerging cell & gene therapy manufacturing. Housed within a modern 75-acre facility just outside Portland, HIT is at the forefront of advancing cell and gene therapy medicines through accelerated clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities, aligning with Genentech’s mission to bring transformative therapies to patients. This role is a valuable part of our Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) team, which is committed to achieving our mission of delivering innovative cell and gene therapies to patients. As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with key stakeholders in Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality. The Opportunity: As a Principal Automation Engineer , you will play a key role in developing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions to support emerging cell and gene therapy manufacturing. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure alignment with regulatory and quality standards to advance our mission of delivering transformative therapies to patients. Additionally, you will:

Requirements

• You possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field, with 5 or more years of experience in automation engineering within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing industry.
• You possess extensive hands-on experience with automation platforms and systems such as SCADA, DCS, PLCs, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and thin clients to support complex manufacturing processes.
• You possess advanced expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex automation issues, performing root cause analysis, and implementing robust technical solutions.
• You have proven experience integrating automation controls with factory manufacturing processes, including the successful integration of electrical and mechanical systems.
• You have a demonstrated ability to manage and influence diverse stakeholders while building effective partnerships across Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality functions.
• You possess significant experience navigating matrixed environments, managing multiple cross-functional projects, and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• You possess in-depth knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP standards, and compliance requirements specific to pharmaceutical and biotechnology production.
• You are able to serve as a member of the 24/7 Rotational On Call Support Team.

Nice To Haves

• Cell/gene therapy industry experience.
• Experience working in an environment utilizing change control and good documentation practices.
• Experience with Rockwell and Emerson Automation technologies.
• Experience developing automation solutions.
• Experience interpreting electrical schematics and P&ID drawings.

Responsibilities

• Perform automation tasks for commissioning and qualification of new systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to enhance the performance and reliability of automation and production equipment.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain running automation systems to ensure uninterrupted plant operations and resolve system issues.
• Develop solutions for recurring issues, create necessary change records, and provide proactive strategies for process and system improvement.
• Conduct investigations into cross-site issues with potential enterprise-level impact, implementing effective resolutions.
• Support the development of user requirements, design reviews, and planning for new equipment integrations.
• Mentor and support junior Automation Engineers while providing guidance on troubleshooting, technical best practices, and continuous improvement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees