Senior Principal Robotics Engineer - CVRM

Genentech•Holly Springs, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Principal Robotics Engineer - CVRM ITOT supports Pharma Technical Manufacturing (PTM), which is responsible for managing all aspects of end-to-end drug substance and drug product manufacturing and supply. PTM makes medicines at nine sites globally and coordinates all aspects of production across all disease areas and dosage forms. To ensure readiness for a step-change in the standard of care in Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), PTM will construct a new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. ITOT will own and operate the Manufacturing Technology stack at the site, working with Global IT. The new site will focus on large volume low-cost Drug Product manufacturing, including Component Prep & Compounding, Liquid PFS Filling, Automated Inspection, Autoinjector Assembly, and Packaging/Finished Products. The Senior Principal Robotics Engineer will build, gain approval for, and fully implement the comprehensive robotics program for the Holly Springs Greenfield project. This role is essential for transforming the site's manual operations into a "Smart Factory" model, targeting a state-of-the-art Highly Automated Warehouse and the integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) throughout the facility. Initially, the role will involve a mix of remote and onsite work, transitioning to full-time on-site work once the site buildings are constructed and equipment is delivered. Eventually, the role will transition into the site-based robotics systems owner, providing site operations support. Travel of up to 30% is expected during the project phase.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science preferred) and 10 years of experience, or Master’s degree in Engineering and 8 years of experience.
Proven experience in program creation and cross-functional project management, with the capability and ambition to eventually manage a team of robotics engineers.
Able to provide 24X7 support and participate in an on-call environment to meet business continuity requirements, including weekends and holidays as required.
Proven, hands-on technical proficiency in designing, deploying, configuring, and maintaining robotics systems, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).
Demonstrated expertise in integrating robotics with enterprise and manufacturing systems like SAP EWM, WCS (Körber K.One.X), and MES platforms.
Deep understanding of AGV/AMR fleet management software (FMS), navigation technologies (Laser, Natural, Magnetic), and dynamic traffic tuning.
Proficiency in troubleshooting robotics hardware, sensor calibration, safety fields, and PLC communication protocols (e.g., Profinet/EtherNet/IP).
Keeps abreast of key Manufacturing IT and Robotics trends - Industrial IoT, Digital Plant Maturity, Pharma 4.0, and automated cleanroom sampling.

Nice To Haves

Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech robotics or automated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
Deep knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Health Authority practices, 21 CFR Part 11, cGMP Annex 11, and Data Integrity principles is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Create full context about the Holly Springs Robotics strategy to hone, get approval, and implement the comprehensive Holly Springs robotics program.
Eventually become the dedicated site-based robotics systems owner and provide ongoing, 24/7 site operations support on robotics once the facility goes live.
Possibly manage a team of robotics engineers in the future, scaling the team based on business needs and commercial filling requirements.
Serve on the Robotics Project Implementation Team (PIT) to focus on robotics and technical enablement, implementation of industry standards, and ensuring seamless compatibility, connectivity, and data integrity.
Lead the transition of manual operations into a "Smart Factory" model, integrating Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), AGVs (e.g., MiR, Geek+), and ASRS systems across end-to-end flows (kitting, filling, packaging, waste handling).
Formulate a capability roadmap and investment case to articulate the ROI of robotic interventions based on labor savings, ergonomic risks, and increased facility uptime.
Support end-to-end system qualification, including test creation, execution, and approval, working alongside IT/OT to integrate robotics into the digital twin and enterprise architecture.
Ensure the integration of environmental health, safety, and security into the business processes, and adhere to site SOPs and work instructions for daily and project deliverables.