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

Role Overview
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 AstraZenecas 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.

Accountabilities
Automation Strategy & Platform Leadership
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.
Robotics Integration & Workflow Enablement
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.
Digital Systems Data Connectivity & Advanced Automation
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.
Validation Compliance & Regulatory Support
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.
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence
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.
Required Qualifications
Education
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
Technical Skills
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
Soft Skills
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
Preferred Qualifications
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
Work Environment
Hybrid role based in Santa Monica and Tarzana California
Regular onsite presence required to support engineering activities platform integration and cross-functional collaboration
Ability to travel as needed to support technology evaluations partner engagements and future deployment activities
When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual base pay for this position is expected to range from $161000 to $240000. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and addition our positions offer eligibility for various incentives including an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs paid time off (including vacation holidays and leaves) and health benefits including medical prescription drug dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired the employee will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program at any time including for reasons related to individual performance Company or department performance and market factors.

Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca we are building the next generation of cell and gene therapy capabilities by combining scientific innovation with advanced engineering robotics and digital technologies. This role offers the opportunity to define how highly automated and digitally connected platforms are adopted scaled and industrialized to support transformative therapies for patients.
You will work at the intersection of robotics digital transformation process science and manufacturing innovation partnering with experts across science engineering quality operations and technology. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future technical direction of automation platforms that will influence how AstraZeneca develops manufactures and delivers advanced therapies at scale.
Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table
We have one seat available and we hope its yours. Apply today.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.