The Position

Are you a forward-thinking Automation Engineer passionate about pushing boundaries and making an impact in a cutting-edge pharmaceutical environment? Join Genentech's South San Francisco Site Services team as a Senior Automation Engineer, where you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and advancing automation infrastructure across an expansive 6 million square feet of dynamic, mixed-use space. In this critical role, you'll help design, install, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced automation systems, support clinical manufacturing areas within Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Science, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that drive process improvements and support key business initiatives. If you're ready to lead with technical expertise and make a difference, we want you on our team!

The Opportunity

As part of the Site Operations organization, the Senior Automation Engineer is a member of the Site Automation team that provides technical ownership & support of a wide range of automation systems owned and supported by Site Services at Genentech’s South San Francisco (SSF). This role is part of a team that is responsible for the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of automation infrastructure across a portfolio of 50+ buildings and 6 million square feet of mixed-use space. This role also provides technical input in the design & planning of process automation systems, leads communications with customers and cross-functional partners, and directly supports capital projects, business initiatives, process improvements and regulatory inspections. This role primarily supports the automation needs for the clinical manufacturing areas operated by Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Science group.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Act as Technical System Owner (TSO) for a wide range of automation platforms, control systems and system applications such as BAS, PLC, SCADA, data historian and other GMP & non-GMP automation assets. 

• Customer Support: Work closely with Site Operations customers to proactively identify and address customer needs and provide essential system support in a 24x7 environment (SSF & Dixon).

  • Identify and resolve hardware and software application issues; manage change control.

  • Develop and maintain system documentation such as functional specifications, standard operating procedures and technical support manuals. 

  • Manage and maintain server infrastructure including system patching, upgrade, backup, operating procedures, and system manuals. 

  • Analyze performance data and alarms, work with end users to resolve issues in a timely manner.

• Partner closely with Genentech’s project delivery group (Design & Construction). Support in the development of project scope, execution strategy and cost/benefit analysis for all site capital projects.

• Work effectively as a technical leader in influencing cross-functional teams to support the Site’s longer-term objectives and lead strategic initiatives for the next generation of automation platforms.

• Develop business cases to upgrade or retrofit existing control systems and technologies. Effectively present the business case to internal and external stakeholders, project delivery teams and senior leadership.

• Establish work priorities and timelines under limited supervision. 

• Oversee the development and execution of system commissioning and qualification.

• Lead or support continuous improvements to existing procedures, standards and cross-functional business processes. 

• Developing and managing vendor-partner relationships, support contracts, vendor resources to ensure improvement in reliability, system support and project delivery.

• Act as a mentor to develop peers and junior engineers.

Who You Are

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Masters in Engineering such as Computer Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical or equivalent preferred.

• System-specific certifications are a plus.

• 7+ years of experience designing and supporting automation systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing or critical operations environments. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, learn new technologies and collaborate with internal customers, team members and external vendors.

• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Effective at managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Experience with industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, Windows Networking, OPC, BACnet, MODBUS).

• Thorough understanding of cGMP regulations and Good Engineering Practices (GEP).  

• Hands-on technical experience in some or all of the following areas is required:

  • PLC/SCADA:  Rockwell Automation Studio 5000, AB FactoryTalk View, GE iFix SCADA

  • Allen Bradley hardware - setup, troubleshooting

  • Data Management: AVEVA PI, Asset Framework 

  • Windows server management and database technologies. 

• Experience in the following areas is a plus:

  • Building Automation Systems: Siemens and/or ALC.

  • Siemens SIMATIC PLCs, and AVEVA Wonderware

  • Experience managing Systems Integrators in the design and build of control systems.

  • Continuous Improvement methodologies such as LEAN/Six Sigma.

  • Troubleshooting instrumentation issues

  • Experience with operating systems, management of Domains, Active Directory and Group Policies

NOTE: Relocation benefits for this position are not available.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $114,800 - $213,200 USD Annual.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.