Sr Manager, Process Engineering
About The Position
The Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Operations & Automation Technology (OAT) Manager / Senior Manager serves as a technical leader supporting clinical cell therapy manufacturing operations. This role partners with Manufacturing, Facilities & Engineering, Quality, Validation, IT, Process Development, and Network MSAT to ensure reliable operation of manufacturing equipment, automation platforms, computerized systems, and data-integrity compliant processes. The position provides technical support for GMP manufacturing, technology transfers, new product introductions, equipment lifecycle management, automation initiatives, deviation investigations, change controls, and continuous improvement projects. The engineer acts as a key interface between manufacturing operations and technology functions to drive operational excellence, scalability, and innovation. Kite is transitioning from its current Santa Monica headquarters, with employees expected to relocate to either our El Segundo or Thousand Oaks offices beginning in January 2027. While this role will be based in Santa Monica through 2026, applicants should take this planned relocation into consideration. Kite supports a flexible working policy, offering a balanced approach with two days of remote working and three days working onsite.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree and Eight Years' Experience OR Masters' Degree and Six Years' Experience OR PhD / PharmD
Nice To Haves
- Experience in facilities, engineering in a biotech/pharma industry
- Degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience supporting GMP manufacturing operations, automation systems, or process engineering.
- Knowledge of biologics, cell therapy, gene therapy, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Experience with investigations, change controls, and quality systems.
- Strong technical writing and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- 10+ years of relevant experience supporting cell therapy manufacturing operations.
- Experience with MES, EBR, SCADA, PLC, data historians (OSI PI, Chronicle, CellFactory), or manufacturing automation systems.
- Knowledge of qualification and validation requirements.
- Experience leading technology transfers or equipment implementation projects.
- Familiarity with computerized system lifecycle management and data integrity requirements.
- Proficiency in application of AI-based solutions and data analytics in manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading direct reports and developing and mentoring staff
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support for GMP manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
- Lead or support equipment troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
- Support equipment upgrades, software updates, and introduction of new technologies.
- Coordinate with Facilities & Engineering, Validation, IT, and vendors to maintain system reliability.
- Serve as technical SME for assigned manufacturing systems and automation platforms.
- Support clinical manufacturing technology transfers and process introductions.
- Assess equipment readiness, automation requirements, and system impacts associated with new programs.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of manufacturing processes.
- Develop and execute equipment-related readiness plans for new products and process changes.
- Provide technical support during manufacturing campaigns.
- Participate in lot monitoring, escalation management, and rapid issue resolution.
- Evaluate process and equipment performance trends and identify improvement opportunities.
- Support manufacturing readiness activities, batch execution success, and operational reliability.
- Author and review deviations, CAPAs, change controls, risk assessments, and technical reports.
- Support impact assessments associated with equipment, automation, and process changes.
- Ensure activities comply with GMP, data integrity, and regulatory requirements.
- Support audit and inspection readiness activities.
- Drive equipment and automation improvements that increase process robustness and operational efficiency.
- Implement data collection, trending, monitoring, and visualization tools to improve manufacturing performance.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, digital tools, AI solutions, and automation opportunities for clinical manufacturing.
- Support development of dashboards and systems that improve operational visibility and decision making.
Benefits
- company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
- discretionary annual bonus
- discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
- paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
