Director, Automation Engineering

Posted 6 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Bedford, MA, USA
In-Office
205K-254K Annually
Expert/Leader
Biotech
The Role
Lead the site's automation engineering team and own automation systems (QMAS, PAS, PI, BMS). Develop automation roadmap, evaluate technologies, program and integrate equipment, ensure GMP and data integrity (Part 11/Annex 11) compliance, support Manufacturing/QC, manage staff, contracts and budgets, and represent automation to regulators and senior leadership.
Summary Generated by Built In
Why Join Us?
 
Be a hero for our rare disease patients
 
At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them. 
 
Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.
 
If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.
Position Summary:

ultrainnovative – Tackle rare and dynamic challenges

Engineering Management: Oversees the automation engineering team’s day to day operations and metrics. Ensures that manufacturing & facilities equipment is functional and fit for its intended use. Ensures operations are supported, and that troubleshooting and process improvements are implemented with a quality mindset. The Business System Owner for the site’s automation systems: the Qualified Monitoring and Alarm System (QMAS), the site Process Automation System (PAS), the Historical Data system PI, and the Building Monitoring System (BMS).

Work Model:

Core Lab & Ops: This role typically requires that the majority of the work be conducted on-site.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Focus Areas:

a. Development of an Automation Roadmap that encourages continuous improvement through the identification and implementation of new ideas that positively impact a segment or area of the organization and its overall performance.

b. Evaluate new technologies for their application in GMP manufacturing facility.

c. Collaboratively work with IT and other internal and external partners to resolve issues and improve site performance.

2. This job requires a level of technical proficiency in multiple skill areas and the ability to interpret complex information to solve problems. It also requires a service provider mindset that supports a variety of customers within Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, QC, etc.

3. Works independently to drive all automation strategies and deliverables with limited to no direct supervision or technical oversight required. Represents automation systems and programs to worldwide regulatory agencies.

4. Ability to present to and solicit alignment from senior leadership on both known and unknown challenges/problems.

5. Provide technical solutions to a wide range of process, building, and networking challenges associated with automated systems.

6. Subject matter expert in all site automation systems.

7. Program, configure, and integrate equipment into the site OT Network, QMAS, and BMS systems.

8. Develop, review, and approve engineering documentation including equipment specifications, test protocols, engineering standards, and procedures.

9. Support the Manufacturing facility and QC Laboratory with regards to automation and instrumentation requirements.

10. Participate in cross functional teams created to perform investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA creation or improvement opportunities as needed.

11. Ensure that all required training is completed on time and current.

12. Manages employees and contract staff.

13. Manages contracts/SOWs, purchase orders, budgets for automation support & initiatives.

14. Establishes operational objectives and work plans and reviews objectives to determine success of the Automation Engineering department

15. Participates with other senior managers to establish plans and objectives and make decisions on operational matters 

Requirements:

1. Required education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or Computer Science with appropriate industrial controls experience.

2. 10+ years of experience in manufacturing support environment, as a system integrator or automation engineer. 5+ years of Management experience preferred.

3. PLC and DCS coding, installation, and support, including but not limited to Allen Bradley, Siemens, and DeltaV.

4. Understanding and configuration of systems such as PI, Win-911, and InfoBatch.

5. Experience with BMS systems (Delta Controls preferred).

6. Experience with analytical equipment such as balances, pH/DO meters, Nova FLEX2, Beckman Coulter Vi-CELL, filter integrity testers, etc.

7. Understanding of instrumentation, electrical, and wiring standards.

8. Understanding of network architecture, including firewall, and switch configuration and virtualized environments.

9. Familiarity with industry standard communication protocols such as Ethernet IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC, and BACnet.

10. Experience with current trends in automation and instrumentation to be able to select and implement modern controls architectures.

11. Adherence to domestic and international GMP regulations.

12. Experience with data integrity, specifically the understanding of FDA Part 11 and European Annex 11 requirements and experience applying these standards to the qualification of automation systems.

13. Able to effectively manage the automation lifecycle of controls components.

14. Familiarity with bioprocessing systems for Drug Substance and Drug Product manufacturing. 


Physical Demand Requirements Manufacturing:

Facilities Mechanic:

- Stand for extended periods of time with periodic stooping / bending / kneeling. 

- Ability to climb ladders and stairs of various heights. 

- Able to lift, push, pull up to 50lbs.

- Work in a controlled environment requiring GxP gowning and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet, and body. This requires the ability to change clothes into appropriate gowning and personal protective equipment. 

- Certain tasks may require use of a respirator; medical clearance will be required in advance. 

- Must remove all make-up, jewelry, and contract lenses while in the manufacturing environment. 

- Working in termperature-controled environments (cold rooms). 


#LI-CS1 #LI-Onsite

The typical annual salary range for this full-time position is listed below. This range reflects the characteristics of the job, such as required skills and qualifications and is based on the office location noted in this job posting. The range may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.


This position is eligible for annual bonus and equity incentives. Actual individual pay is determined by demonstrated experience and internal equity alignment.

Pay Range
$205,200$253,500 USD
 
Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:
 
·         Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company
·         Volunteer days
·         Long term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings
·         Employee wellbeing benefits
·         Fitness reimbursement
·         Tuition sponsoring
·         Professional development plans
 
* Benefits vary by region and country

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at [email protected].

See our CCPA Employee and Applicant Privacy Notice.
See our Privacy Policy.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Note to External Recruiters: All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation.  Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us, may be directed to[email protected].

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or Computer Science with industrial controls experience.
  • 10+ years experience in manufacturing support, system integration, or automation engineering.
  • 5+ years management experience.
  • PLC and DCS coding, installation, and support (including Allen Bradley, Siemens, DeltaV).
  • Understanding and configuration of PI (OSIsoft PI), Win-911, and InfoBatch systems.
  • Experience with BMS systems (Delta Controls preferred).
  • Experience with analytical laboratory and process equipment (balances, pH/DO meters, Nova FLEX2, Beckman Coulter Vi-CELL, filter integrity testers).
  • Understanding of instrumentation, electrical, and wiring standards.
  • Understanding of network architecture, firewall and switch configuration, and virtualized environments.
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC, BACnet).
  • Knowledge of current automation and instrumentation trends and ability to select modern controls architectures.
  • Adherence to domestic and international GMP regulations.
  • Experience with data integrity requirements, specifically FDA Part 11 and EU Annex 11, and applying them to system qualification.
  • Ability to manage the automation lifecycle of controls components and approve engineering documentation.
  • Familiarity with bioprocessing systems for Drug Substance and Drug Product manufacturing.
  • Experience managing employees, contract staff, contracts/SOWs, purchase orders, and budgets for automation initiatives.

Ultragenyx Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ultragenyx and has not been reviewed or approved by Ultragenyx.

  • Healthcare Strength Benefits begin on the first day with multiple medical plan options alongside dental and vision coverage. Employer-funded HSA contributions and employer-paid mental health support via Spring Health add notable depth to healthcare support.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off is broadened by two fully paid company shutdown weeks in August and December in addition to holidays and baseline vacation. Paid sick time, paid volunteer time, and a substantial paid leave program further expand time-off support.
  • Retirement Support Retirement support includes a 401(k) program with a match on employee contributions and immediate vesting. An employee stock purchase plan discount also strengthens the overall financial rewards package.

Ultragenyx Insights

Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
Brisbane, CA
1,196 Employees
Year Founded: 2010

What We Do

At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.

Similar Jobs

In-Office or Remote
2 Locations
132624 Employees

CVS Health Logo CVS Health

Executive Director, Engineering - AI Automation

Fitness • Healthtech • Retail • Pharmaceutical
In-Office
Wellesley, MA, USA
119959 Employees
175K-335K Annually

Benchling Logo Benchling

Enterprise Account Executive

Cloud • Healthtech • Social Impact • Software • Biotech
Remote or Hybrid
3 Locations
605 Employees
140K-400K Annually

Cloudflare Logo Cloudflare

Solutions Engineer

Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Remote or Hybrid
United States
4400 Employees
234K-292K Annually

Similar Companies Hiring

Formation Bio Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Big Data • Healthtech • Biotech • Pharmaceutical
New York, NY
150 Employees
SOPHiA GENETICS Thumbnail
Software • Healthtech • Biotech • Big Data • Artificial Intelligence
Boston, MA
450 Employees
Pfizer Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Machine Learning • Natural Language Processing • Biotech • Pharmaceutical
New York, NY
121990 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account