Senior Automation​/Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy

Senior Automation/Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy

Location:

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Function: R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:
Robotics

Job Category:
Scientific/Technology

We are on a mission to transform autologous CAR‑T cell‑therapy manufacturing with pioneering automation. As a Senior Automation/Robotics Engineer, you will lead the concept, design, integration, and lifecycle management of sophisticated automated modular systems and mobile robots, ensuring compliance, reliability, and innovation. You will serve as system owner for multiple automated platforms, proactively resolve complex technical challenges, and drive multi‑functional collaboration across QA, IT, OT, facilities, supply chain, and manufacturing.

You will scout emerging technologies, champion digital transformation, and mentor junior engineers while maintaining GMP standards and operational excellence.

• Lead the concept, design, configuration, and deployment of automated systems and robotic modules for CAR‑T manufacturing and support system workflows (e.g., kitting, inspection, tracking, transport, cell isolation, expansion, formulation, cryopreservation, and waste management) under GMP.
• Define, review, and approve system architectures, user requirements, and design documentation (URS, PFD, FDS, DHF, traceability matrices).
• Supervise building and testing functional prototypes to assess feasibility and performance.
• Handle FAT/SAT and PPQ protocols for system qualification and validation, ensuring readiness for audits and regulatory inspections.

• Act as primary system owner for multiple automated platforms.
• Apply advanced knowledge to resolve complex issues proactively and scout new technologies and digital tools.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and fixing across mechanical, software, vision, and control systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that advance system reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with external vendors and integrators to evaluate, challenge, and implement the latest technologies or upgrades.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and production continuity.

• Supervise operational support: monitor equipment performance, schedule preventive maintenance, and resolve reliability issues.
• Implement digital tools for predictive maintenance and performance analytics.
• Ensure preparation and delivery of comprehensive user documentation (SOPs, O&M manuals, reports).
• Prepare for compliance activities, audits, and regulatory inspections with minimal supervision.

• Drive optimization of multi‑step production flows using advanced control systems, dynamic scheduling, and batch orchestration.
• Lead technology roadmap initiatives; handle automation subprojects including scope, timelines, and vendor coordination.
• Align automation strategies across QA, IT, OT, facilities, and manufacturing to ensure scalability and standardization.
• Champion adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, digital twins, and AI‑driven process optimization.
• Support technology transfer to other internal sites.

• Mentor and coach junior engineers; review technical results and provide guidance on procedures.
• Deliver operator training sessions, workshops, and competency assessments.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the automation team.

Required:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Mechanical, Automation, or Robotics Engineering or related technical field preferred with 4‑6 years of overall experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience with robotics platforms, automated systems, and control systems, preferably in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven grounding in engineering and computer science principles for designing automated and robotic components and mechanisms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, able to tailor messaging from operators to senior management and external partners.
• Independent, self‑motivated, and comfortable driving ambiguity in fast‑paced and sophisticated environments to meet timelines with minimum supervision while…