Genentech

Senior Project Engineer Process Automation

Genentech$99K — $185K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; Master’s preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech automation
  • Strong background in automation architecture design and project execution
  • Experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA) and GMP requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to handle complex mid to large-scale automation projects
  • Willingness to travel 50% or more for project needs

Responsibilities

  • Lead planning, design, and implementation of process automation systems
  • Define global automation architectures and ensure alignment with standards
  • Manage integration of automation with various process systems and robotics
  • Act as technical interface for suppliers and engineering firms
  • Collaborate with teams to align project automation scope and priorities
  • Oversee Computer System Validation (CSV) and commissioning in compliance with industry standards
  • Support digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing processes

Benefits

  • Discretionary annual bonus based on performance
  • Opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects
  • Collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams
  • Engagement in digital transformation initiatives
  • Potential for international project assignments
Full Job Description

This role is an integral part of our Automation and Digital Engineering team, which is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge process automation solutions that bridge advanced manufacturing processes with innovative digital technologies. As a member of this team, you will play a key role in designing, implementing, and managing automation systems across pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, packaging, and warehouse operations. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders and global teams to ensure compliance, performance, and alignment with our digital transformation initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects shaping the future of pharmaceutical production.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Project Engineer for Process Automation Systems, you will be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for delivering advanced automation solutions for manufacturing, packaging, and warehouse operations. You will take ownership of the entire project lifecycle, ensuring compliance, performance, and successful execution while driving progress in digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Key duties and responsibilities include:

  • Leading the planning, design, specification, procurement, implementation, and qualification of process automation systems, including DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, and data historian platforms.

  • Defining global automation architectures and system concepts, including feasibility studies and alignment with Roche engineering standards.

  • Managing automation system integration with process equipment, utility systems, robotics, packaging & inspection systems, and warehouse automation.

  • Acting as the technical and commercial interface to suppliers, integrators, engineering firms, and procurement teams, driving supplier innovation and performance.

  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to align automation scope with project priorities and stakeholder expectations, providing regular progress updates and risk mitigation strategies.

  • Leading Computer System Validation (CSV), qualification activities, and commissioning efforts in compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and cybersecurity standards.

  • Supporting digital transformation initiatives through advanced process control, batch analytics, smart manufacturing, and IT/OT convergence solutions.

Who You Are

  • Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline, with 5+ years of experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry; Master’s degree is a plus

  • Strong background in automation architecture design, project execution, commissioning and validation

  • Demonstrated ability to execute complex scope on mid-sized to large-scale projects

  • Experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA) and GMP requirements for synthetic molecule manufacturing operations

  • Project delivery experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments

  • Significant travel (50% or more) assignment required to meet the business need (i.e. weekly commuting and/or temporary remote assignment, including on-site presence during FAT/SAT activities, international project assignment of 1 to 3 years)

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Oceanside is $99,820 - $185,380. 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 in this .

This is an on-site position; no remote options are available at this time.
Relocation benefits are not approved for this posting.

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About Genentech

Genentech is a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures drugs for the treatment of serious medical conditions. The company was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. Genentech's products include treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. The company is a subsidiary of Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical company. Genentech has been recognized for its innovative research and development, and has received numerous awards for its contributions to the biotechnology industry.
Learn more about Genentech
Size
14,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1976

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