Principal Engineer, Assay and Data Automation

Bristol Myers Squibb • Seattle, WA

3d • $131,310 - $175,028

About The Position

Cell Therapy Analytical Development (CTAD) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Engineer to join the Assay and Data Automation team. This role will lead the design, development, and implementation of state-of-the-art automation solutions for a variety of analytical methods and technologies supporting cell therapy programs. The Principal Engineer brings hands-on expertise in assay automation and possesses a strong technical background in automation design, development, and deployment within both GMP and non-GMP labs. This individual will foster effective partnerships and collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders—including CTAD functions and CTDO departments—to build analytical automation solutions to enhance sample throughput and capacity while reducing hands-on time, time-to-result, repetitive strain, and assay variability.

Requirements

• BS or MS in engineering discipline with 8+ years of integrated automation experience.
• Demonstrated experience as an automation developer in automated liquid handlers associated software (e.g. Hamilton and Venus software), end-to-end assay automation workflows, and integrated automation systems.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing automated laboratory workflows and high-throughput methods within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including systems configuration, liquid handling, and method programming.
• Experience designing, programming, operating, and troubleshooting end-to-end integrated automation systems including lab orchestration scheduler software (e.g. HighRes BioSolutions systems and Cellario platform).
• Ability to identify/understand sophisticated customer needs and develop automated solutions for laboratory workflows.
• Experience leading evaluation and implementation of new and novel technologies.
• Experience migrating bench techniques to hands-free automated systems is required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective professional relations across all organizational levels in both GMP and non-GMP environment.
• Flexibility and eagerness to learn new techniques and skills, with the ability to interface across multiple departments.
• Possess a strong sense of urgency and ownership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with various programming languages, such as Python, Visual Basic, C, C++, etc. is preferred.
• Experience in analytical method development is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of the regulatory requirements for bio-pharmaceutical industry and GMP compliance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, develop and implement partial and integrated automation platforms for bio-analytical methods that are performed in GMP and non-GMP labs.
• Effectively communicate experimental results to influence program decisions and support regulatory filing strategies.
• Partner with external integration vendors to establish end-to-end integrated analytical automation platforms.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure automation designs and development meet the business goals and needs.
• Support all functions related to automation technical transfer into GMP lab, including documentation associated with requirements gathering, development, IQ, OQ, and method validation.
• Optimize automated systems, expand capabilities, and support technical investigations.
• Lead automated method qualification and operator training activities.
• Work with automation team members to support or maintain automated systems as needed.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to automated analytical methods and technologies.
• Provide technical support to end-users and stakeholders.
• Train and mentor other team members on automation technologies.
• Collaborate effectively across functional groups.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays Based on eligibility, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
• All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

What This Job Offers

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