Senior Manufacturing Associate

Job Overview:
We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Associate to support sterile cell culture and viral vector manufacturing. The role will execute and lead manufacturing processes on the production floor, work with cross‑functional teams, and ensure compliance with GMP, cGMP, and SOPs.

• Work as part of a team to execute and lead manufacturing processes on the floor in close collaboration with Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), Facilities and Engineering (F&E) and Quality departments.
• Rigorously follow batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations to ensure manufacturing operations are safe and compliant.
• Ensure right‑the‑first‑time performance of all process steps specific to the phase or stage of operation, as well as help drive the safety‑first culture at Kite Oceanside.
• Perform and manage electronic inventory transactions utilizing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Business System (EBS) and weighing of raw materials and cycle count of raw materials.
• Perform, troubleshoot and manage moderately complex issues during cell culture, media formulation and filling unit operations for the manufacture of viral vector products in a cGMP environment using proper aseptic technique, proper laboratory etiquette, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and sound scientific methods.
• Maintain mammalian cell culture in flasks, CellSTACK chambers and single‑use bioreactor systems.
• Review and sign off batch records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Participate in and manage operational excellence initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Develop SOPs, Manufacturing Production Records (MPRs), and other process documents including minor deviations and Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) as needed.
• Act as a delegate for supervisors and managers during cross‑functional team meetings.
• Manage and write shift notes for all unit operations.
• Lead operational tier huddles as needed.
• Manage and act as back‑up qualified trainer for all unit operations.
• Act as a mentor to junior staff with limited task‑management responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively in an inclusive, cross‑functional, team‑based environment.
• Able to work off‑shift hours and weekends.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Works on non‑routine to somewhat complex problems, requiring evaluation of multiple factors before taking action.

• BS and 4+ years of experience, or MS and 2+ years of experience, or HS diploma, a Certificate to FETAC level 6 (GSL), and minimum 6 years of relevant experience.
• Cleanroom experience is a must; must be hands‑on and comfortable working on the manufacturing floor.
• Upstream cell culture experience is required.
• Prior experience in a cGMP related industry is a MUST, within Biopharmaceutical or Pharmaceutical industry preferred.

• BS and 8+ years of experience.
• MS and 6+ years of experience.

The salary range for this position is $92,820.00 – $. Kick decides compensation based on experience, qualifications, and geography. This position may also be eligible for discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock‑based long‑term incentives, paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company‑sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Kite Pharma is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.

Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status or other non‑job related characteristics.

In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Appli for assistance.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company.

Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the ‘Know Your Rights’ poster.