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

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 High Res 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 AstraZeneca’s 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.

• 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.

• 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 High Res 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…