Sr Automation Engineer I

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together. Job Description Key Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation solutions using the Ignition SCADA platform, with a focus on leveraging MQTT (Sparkplug) and advanced scripting capabilities. Sustain and scale the existing Aveva PI Historian system for real-time and historical data collection, trending, Asset Framework creation, and analysis in support of process monitoring, continuous improvement, and corporate initiatives (Sustainability, Condition-Based Maintenance). Drive digital transformation by piloting and implementing innovative automation and data solutions, including testing and integrating LLMs/MCP servers to support AI initiatives and expand AI adoption. Develop and maintain automation scripts for data processing, system integration, and custom functionality within Ignition and other platforms. Integrate Biologics/Small Molecules laboratory instruments and systems via APIs, ensuring seamless data flow and system interoperability across R&D environments. Implement and manage automation changes in both GMP and non-GMP environments, including hardware/software upgrades and vendor coordination. Manage external contractors and third-party integrators, including scope definition, performance monitoring, deliverable review, and budget/schedule oversight. Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior automation engineers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver automation projects that meet cost, quality, and timeline goals. Utilize Docker or Podman to containerize and manage automation applications for scalability and reliability. Administer containerized applications running in Linux environments. Maintain comprehensive and compliant automation documentation (User Requirements, Design Specifications, Work Instructions, SOPs).

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university with at least 6 years of relevant engineering experience.
• OR MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university with at least 4 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Ignition 8.1 or 8.3 Gold certification and extensive hands-on experience in: Ignition Core Modules (Perspective) MQTT (Sparkplug B) Jython scripting within Ignition
• Strong Python and JavaScript programming skills, with experience in automation, data processing, and API integration.
• Proven experience integrating various lab equipment and systems using standard or custom APIs.
• Experience with PLCs (Rockwell, Opto22) and industrial protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with Historian systems (Aveva PI, Canary Labs, Ignition Historian).
• Familiarity with Cloud Services (Azure, AWS), DevOps tools, and technologies (GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, Ansible, Docker, Podman).
• Track record of mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Ability to rapidly learn and adopt new automation platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; structured approach to root-cause analysis.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Must be able to work onsite at least 3 days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Life Sciences industry.
• Experience with Node-RED programming tool.
• Experience with Databricks cloud-based data intelligence platform.
• Experience with DCS systems (e.g., Emerson DeltaV).
• Experience with lab automation systems such as Unchained Labs, Hamilton, and Tecan.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation solutions using the Ignition SCADA platform, with a focus on leveraging MQTT (Sparkplug) and advanced scripting capabilities.
• Sustain and scale the existing Aveva PI Historian system for real-time and historical data collection, trending, Asset Framework creation, and analysis in support of process monitoring, continuous improvement, and corporate initiatives (Sustainability, Condition-Based Maintenance).
• Drive digital transformation by piloting and implementing innovative automation and data solutions, including testing and integrating LLMs/MCP servers to support AI initiatives and expand AI adoption.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts for data processing, system integration, and custom functionality within Ignition and other platforms.
• Integrate Biologics/Small Molecules laboratory instruments and systems via APIs, ensuring seamless data flow and system interoperability across R&D environments.
• Implement and manage automation changes in both GMP and non-GMP environments, including hardware/software upgrades and vendor coordination.
• Manage external contractors and third-party integrators, including scope definition, performance monitoring, deliverable review, and budget/schedule oversight.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior automation engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver automation projects that meet cost, quality, and timeline goals.
• Utilize Docker or Podman to containerize and manage automation applications for scalability and reliability.
• Administer containerized applications running in Linux environments.
• Maintain comprehensive and compliant automation documentation (User Requirements, Design Specifications, Work Instructions, SOPs).

Benefits

• This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
• Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

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