Associate Principal Engineer, Robotics and Automation Process Sciences, Analytics and Technology, Ce

Introduction to Role Are you passionate about applying advanced automation and robotics technologies to accelerate the development and delivery of transformative cell and gene therapies? We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of automated Quality Control (QC) systems supporting Cell and Gene Therapy programs. In this role, you will lead the advancement of robotic laboratory automation platforms, including HighRes Biosolutions systems, to enhance analytical testing, sample management, laboratory execution, and data integrity. Working at the intersection of automation engineering, quality control, analytical science, manufacturing, and digital technologies, you will help build scalable, compliant, and efficient laboratory automation solutions that support development through commercial manufacturing. You will partner with experts across QC, Process Sciences, Manufacturing, Quality, Digital, and Engineering functions, helping define the future of automation-enabled laboratory operations while driving innovation that improves throughput, reproducibility, operational flexibility, and readiness for clinical and commercial supply. Accountabilities Automation Strategy & Technical Leadership Contribute to the strategic roadmap for automated QC laboratory capabilities supporting Cell and Gene Therapy programs. Identify and prioritize automation opportunities based on scientific, operational, compliance, and business needs. Provide technical leadership for the evaluation, deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management of robotic automation platforms. Establish scalable engineering standards, platform architectures, and deployment models for automated laboratory workflows. Participate in technical governance, technology assessments, vendor evaluations, and strategic automation initiatives. Robotics Integration & Laboratory Automation Lead the design, integration, deployment, and optimization of automated QC workflows and robotic workcells. Partner with scientists and laboratory stakeholders to translate laboratory requirements into scalable automation solutions. Develop technical requirements, workflow specifications, system architectures, and design documentation. Support integration of robotic platforms with analytical instruments, liquid handling systems, imaging technologies, sample management systems, and laboratory equipment. Provide hands‑on leadership during system configuration, workflow development, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Lead technical readiness efforts, including factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), qualification, and deployment. Workflow Optimization & Operational Excellence Improve laboratory throughput, reproducibility, capacity, and turnaround times through process automation and workflow optimization. Reduce manual intervention while strengthening sample traceability, data integrity, and process consistency. Establish performance metrics and monitor system effectiveness, utilization, reliability, and operational efficiency. Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on laboratory performance data, user feedback, and operational insights. Design flexible automation solutions that support evolving analytical methods, product types, and business needs. Digital Integration & Data Connectivity Support the integration of automation platforms with laboratory, manufacturing, and enterprise systems. Partner with Digital, IT, and Informatics teams to enable connectivity with LIMS, ELN, MES, electronic batch records, and analytical data systems. Define data architecture, interface requirements, and integration strategies for automated laboratory operations. Promote data‑centric approaches that improve visibility, traceability, scalability, and decision‑making. Explore advanced capabilities including predictive analytics, digital twins, AI‑enabled scheduling, workflow optimization, and real‑time monitoring solutions. Validation, Compliance & Regulatory Support Support automation risk assessments, system impact assessments, and data integrity evaluations. Contribute to validation and qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ and computerized system lifecycle management. Ensure automation solutions comply with cGMP requirements, quality standards, and regulatory expectations. Author and review technical, validation, quality, and compliance documentation. Support deviation investigations, root cause analysis, change management activities, and inspection readiness. Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate effectively with Quality Control, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Digital, IT, Facilities, and Engineering organizations. Serve as a key technical contact for automation vendors, equipment suppliers, and integration partners. Lead technical reviews, design assessments, troubleshooting efforts, and implementation planning activities. Influence technical decision‑making across a matrixed environment. Share best practices, lessons learned, and engineering standards to strengthen organizational automation capabilities. Essential Requirements PhD in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with relevant industry experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in laboratory automation, robotics integration, QC automation, or automated analytical workflows within highly regulated environments. Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing automated laboratory systems and platforms. Strong understanding of laboratory operations, analytical testing workflows, and automated sample management. Experience integrating automation platforms with laboratory instruments, data systems, and digital technologies. Knowledge of cGMP regulations, data integrity principles, validation requirements, and computerized system lifecycle management. Strong problem‑solving, technical leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across cross‑functional teams. Desirable Requirements Direct experience with HighRes Biosolutions automation platforms or similar modular automation systems. Experience supporting cell therapy, gene therapy, biologics, or advanced therapy manufacturing environments. Knowledge of Hamilton liquid handling systems, flow cytometry workflows, automated imaging platforms, and sample management technologies. Experience with technology transfer, analytical method lifecycle management, and commercial manufacturing readiness. Familiarity with digital twins, AI/ML‑enabled laboratory optimization, predictive analytics, and automated scheduling systems. Experience with laboratory informatics, cloud‑enabled platforms, and advanced data visualization capabilities. Track record of technical innovation demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or technology leadership contributions. Compensation and Benefits The annual base pay for this position is expected to range from$160,559.20 to $240,838.80. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer eligibility for various incentives, including an opportunity to receiveshort-term incentive bonusesandequity‑based awardsfor salaried roles. Benefits offered includequalified retirement programs, paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and leaves), and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coveragein accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, the employee will be in anat‑will positionand the Company reserves the right to modify base pay, as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program, at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or department performance, and market factors. Why AstraZeneca At AstraZeneca , we are building the next generation of cell and gene therapy capabilities by combining scientific innovation with advanced engineering, robotics, and digital technologies. This role offers the opportunity to help define how automated QC laboratories are designed, integrated, validated, and operated to support transformative therapies. You will work at the intersection of laboratory science, automation engineering, quality, digital connectivity, and manufacturing readiness. As an Associate Principal Engineer, you will contribute to the technical direction of HighRes Biosolutions and other similar platforms while remaining close to the biology and engineering work required to design workflows, solve integration challenges, improve system performance, and enable compliant laboratory execution. You will partner with experts across QC, analytical development, process sciences, engineering, Quality, Regulatory, IT, Digital, and external technology organizations to build reliable and scalable automation capabilities that support faster development and delivery of advanced medicines. Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. #J-18808-Ljbffr AstraZeneca