Robotics Software Engineer – Cell Therapy Automation

AstraZeneca • Los Angeles, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join AstraZeneca, a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company, as an integral member of our Cell Therapy Supply Chain – Robotics & Automation IT team. This role has a global remit and is critical for delivering IT infrastructure, software integration, and cybersecurity capabilities for our robotic manufacturing platform. You will enable the deployment and sustained operation of robotic clusters within a GMP cell therapy manufacturing environment, ensuring seamless IT/OT integration, supporting automation programming, managing vendor software platforms, and maintaining compliance with pharmaceutical cybersecurity standards. This position supports our strategic partnership with an external robotics vendor and directly contributes to patient-impacting manufacturing timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years experience in IT/OT environments supporting automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing systems.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks including Zero Trust architecture, ISA-62443, and NIST standards.
• Demonstrated experience with MES platforms (e.g., PAS-X or TULIP), LIMS, and ELN systems integration.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or C#, and familiarity with robotic frameworks (ROS, UR platforms, or similar).
• Working knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GxP compliance requirements, and pharmaceutical data integrity principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and IoT integration in manufacturing environments.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, vendor timelines, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical topics for non-technical stakeholders.
• Comfort with risk and ambiguous situations in a rapidly evolving, first-of-its-kind program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in advanced manufacturing systems and environments.
• Familiarity with ISPE GAMP 5 validation framework for computerized systems.
• Experience supporting FAT/SAT and IQ/OQ qualification activities.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
• Understanding of SEC cybersecurity disclosure requirements (17 CFR Parts 229, 232, 239, 240, 249).

Responsibilities

• Deliver reliable IT and software engineering support across the full lifecycle of robotic cluster deployment, from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) through Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation qualification, operational qualification, and ongoing production operations.
• Manage integration between robotic systems and enterprise platforms (MES, LIMS, ELN).
• Implement cybersecurity controls aligned with DoD Zero Trust architecture and ISA-62443 standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, quality, engineering, and external vendor teams.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between AstraZeneca IT and the robotics vendor's software and automation engineering teams, ensuring platform readiness milestones are met and all software licensing, data integrity, and system availability requirements are fulfilled.
• Design and maintain robust OT/IT network segmentation, low-latency connectivity for real-time robotic control, and high-availability infrastructure targeting 99.99% uptime for production-critical automation systems.
• Implement and enforce cybersecurity measures including Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), firewall segmentation, endpoint protection, patch management, SIEM integration, and audit logging in alignment with DoD Zero Trust Reference Architecture, ISA-62443, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
• Support automation programming for robotic platforms, resolve software licensing issues, and coordinate with vendor engineering teams on software development lifecycle (SDLC) activities.
• Ensure seamless integration of robotic clusters with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as PAS-X or TULIP, and with LIMS & ELN platforms to guarantee end-to-end traceability and electronic batch record compliance.
• Ensure all data acquisition systems support electronic records and electronic signatures per 21 CFR Part 11, maintain high-fidelity audit trails, and enable capture of process parameters, batch data, and material genealogy.
• Support IoT sensor integration for real-time environmental and equipment monitoring, configure automated alerting and escalation protocols, and maintain alarm management systems.
• Develop, test, and maintain disaster recovery plans for cloud-based and on-premise software/data systems; define and meet Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).
• Serve as the IT point of contact during FAT/SAT execution, support qualification activities, manage deviations and mitigation plans related to IT readiness, and ensure documentation alignment with project milestones.
• Support and manage cloud infrastructure associated with the robotic cluster platform (estimated at $2.5M annual cloud fee per cluster), ensuring security, cost efficiency, and performance.

Benefits

• Qualified retirement programs
• Paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• Health coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles

What This Job Offers

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