Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation, Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy

AstraZeneca•Santa Monica, CA

2d•$161,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced technical leader, Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation, within Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy. This role is responsible for end-to-end technical strategy for advanced robotics, modular automation systems, and digitally connected platform capabilities that enable process development, analytical operations, and manufacturing readiness for cell and gene therapy programs. The Principal Engineer will shape the future-state automation ecosystem supporting autologous and allogeneic cell and gene therapy programs by defining platform architecture, deployment models, integration strategies, and technical standards that enable scalable, compliant, and cost-effective operations across the development-to-manufacturing lifecycle. This role will serve as a senior technical authority for advanced automation platforms, with particular focus on Multiply Labs robotic biomanufacturing clusters and HighRes Biosolutions modular automation systems, while also influencing broader platform strategy, digital integration, and long-term deployment approaches. The position combines deep hands-on engineering leadership with strategic influence across scientific, technical, operational, and digital functions. The successful candidate will partner across Manufacturing Science and Technology, Process Development, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Regulatory, IT, and Digital teams to accelerate platform maturity, improve robustness and flexibility, reduce cost of goods, and strengthen readiness for clinical and commercial supply. This role will also help shape AstraZeneca’s external reputation in advanced cell and gene therapy automation through technical excellence, sound engineering judgment, and forward-looking platform innovation. This position reports to the Executive Director, Automation, Robotics & Technical Writing and is based in Santa Monica, CA or Tarzana, CA.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field with 6+ years of industry experience OR M.S. in a related field with 10+ years of industry experience OR B.S. in a related field with 12+ years of hands-on industry experience
Demonstrated expertise in robotics, automation systems integration, modular platform design, workflow orchestration, and advanced laboratory or manufacturing automation
Strong experience with robotic systems, collaborative automation platforms, analytical workflow automation, and custom hardware integration
Proficiency in programming and scripting, including tools such as Python, C#, ladder logic, or equivalent automation environments
Experience integrating automation systems with LIMS, MES, electronic batch records, ELN, and other laboratory or manufacturing informatics systems
Strong knowledge of cGMP, validation, automation risk management, software and system lifecycle management, and data integrity
Experience authoring and reviewing technical and validation documentation in regulated environments
Demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and lead complex cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment
Strong strategic thinking with the ability to shape long-term automation and digital roadmaps
Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills
Ability to work independently, set priorities, and deliver under time-sensitive conditions
Exceptional systems thinking, troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving capability
Strong mentoring and technical leadership skills with the ability to drive alignment without direct authority

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with Multiply Labs, HighRes Biosolutions, Hamilton, BD FACSDuet, or comparable advanced automation platforms
Experience with high-content imaging, flow cytometry, bioassay assay automation, and integrated sample management systems
Experience with digital twins, simulation environments, predictive analytics, and AI/ML-enabled workflow optimization
Experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or biologics manufacturing
Track record of technical innovation through publications, patents, presentations, or other recognized technical contributions
Experience supporting technology transfer, comparability, and commercial readiness for advanced therapy platforms
Strong familiarity with the Southern California biotechnology ecosystem

Responsibilities

Contribute to end-to-end technical strategy for robotics and automation platforms supporting process sciences, analytics, and technology activities in cell and gene therapy.
Define and shape the long-term automation roadmap for integrated robotic manufacturing and analytical systems, aligned to pipeline priorities, development needs, manufacturing readiness, and digital transformation goals.
Serve as the principal technical authority for the evaluation, selection, design, deployment, lifecycle management, and evolution of advanced robotic and modular automation platforms.
Drive platform standardization, architectural principles, and deployment models that can scale across programs, workflows, and future manufacturing environments.
Represent the function in governance forums, platform assessments, and strategic technology reviews, influencing technical direction, investment priorities, and external technology partnerships.
Apply a full understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and global manufacturing considerations to position AstraZeneca at the forefront of robotics-enabled cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing.
Lead technical strategy for the evaluation, integration, deployment, and scale-up of Multiply Labs robotic clusters for end-to-end cell and gene therapy workflows, including integration with systems supporting cell isolation, genetic modification, expansion, harvest, formulation, and related unit operations.
Lead integration and optimization of Multiply Labs robotic platforms and HighRes Biosolutions workcells for analytical operations, process development workflows, and high-throughput execution.
Drive the design, configuration, optimization, and expansion of modular automation workcells and orchestration software to improve throughput, reproducibility, flexibility, and robustness.
Provide hands-on engineering leadership during feasibility testing, workflow optimization, prototyping, system debugging, issue resolution, and platform refinement in close partnership with scientists and engineers.
Optimize workflows on BD FACSDuet, Hamilton liquid handling systems, and related automation platforms to enhance performance, reliability, and analytical consistency.
Advance high-content imaging, assay automation, sample management, and integrated workflow execution capabilities across the automation ecosystem.
Own technical strategy for digital integration of robotics and automation platforms with laboratory, analytical, manufacturing, and enterprise systems.
Partner with IT and Digital teams to define and implement connectivity with LIMS, MES, electronic batch records, ELN, cloud platforms, and other digital manufacturing and laboratory systems.
Develop and apply digital twins, simulation models, predictive analytics, and AI/ML-enabled workflows to support process understanding, workflow design, scheduling, exception handling, and system optimization.
Drive future-state capabilities in orchestration, autonomous operation, error recovery, and real-time decision support across complex robotic environments.
Establish interoperable and data-centric platform approaches that support both near-term program execution and long-term commercial scalability.
Lead and support automation risk assessments, including FMEA, system impact evaluations, and mitigation planning for integrated robotic and digital systems.
Lead and support validation strategy and execution, including IQ/OQ/PQ, software qualification, and comparability approaches for automated workflows and integrated platforms.
Ensure automated solutions are robust, compliant, and cost-effective, aligned with cGMP requirements, data integrity principles, and AstraZeneca quality expectations.
Author and review critical technical documentation, including URS, functional and design specifications, SOPs, validation protocols, technical reports, and regulatory support documentation.
Support inspection readiness and regulatory submissions by developing clear, scientifically sound, and technically defensible documentation related to automation platforms and workflow changes.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing Science and Technology, Process Development, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Regulatory, IT, Digital, and Supply Chain to align platform capabilities with program and business needs.
Serve as a senior technical interface with external partners, including Multiply Labs, HighRes Biosolutions, and other vendors, shaping requirements, technical standards, implementation strategies, and future platform evolution.
Mentor engineers and scientists in robotics, automation engineering, digitally enabled workflow design, and technical problem solving to strengthen organizational capability.
Drive lessons learned, best practices, technical standards, and reusable engineering approaches that elevate automation excellence across the function.
Support technology transfer, facility fit, and deployment planning for translation of automation platforms from development through clinical and commercial manufacturing environments.

Benefits

Eligibility for various incentives, including an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles.
Qualified retirement programs
Paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and leaves)
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

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