This role is a vital part of our Manufacturing team at Genentech Oceanside, which is dedicated to delivering high-quality biopharmaceuticals safely and reliably to patients worldwide. As a key technical and compliance leader within this department, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across MSAT, Quality Assurance, Facilities & Engineering, and Compliance. In this collaborative environment, you will drive operational excellence, lead root-cause investigations, and ensure continuous adherence to cGMP standards across our biomanufacturing operations.
The Opportunity
As a Principal Manufacturing Compliance Engineer, you will serve as a primary technical subject matter expert to manage and resolve complex technical, regulatory, and compliance issues across biomanufacturing operations. You will lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives, ensure full cGMP compliance, and safeguard production integrity through robust quality systems, investigations, and continuous improvement efforts.
Manage and resolve complex technical, quality, and compliance issues in biomanufacturing in close partnership with Quality, MSAT, and Facilities & Engineering.
Act as a Discrepancy Owner Lead, leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) sessions and coordinating corrective and preventative action (CAPA) implementations within required timelines.
Perform critical technical and operational reviews and approvals for process validation protocols, engineering changes, planned/unplanned variance reports, and controlled documentation.
Serve as a Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to regulatory agencies and contribute strategically during site inspections.
Identify and mitigate technical, procedural, or equipment risks—including microbial contamination risks in cleanroom environments—that could impact production or compliance.
Drive operational excellence initiatives and mentor manufacturing personnel to foster a strong compliance mindset and operational ownership across the site.
Track, analyze, and present departmental performance metrics and environmental monitoring data to promptly address adverse trends.
Who You Are
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
Technical Expertise: Direct, hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and/or purification of biopharmaceutical products, alongside thorough working knowledge of cGMPs, FDA, ICH, and European regulatory guidelines.
Quality Systems Mastery: Proven expertise in Deviation Management Systems (DMS) as a Discrepancy Owner, including proficiency with CAPA execution and Change Control processes.
Problem Solving & Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to lead complex Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations and write or revise high-quality technical documents, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process validation reports.
Leadership & Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, with a track record of driving cross-functional alignment, prioritizing assignments independently, and mentoring teams under minimal supervision.
This is an on-site position.
Relocation benefits are approved for this posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $95,200 - $176,800. 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 link.
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, or equivalent experience
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and/or purification of biopharmaceutical products
- Working knowledge of cGMPs, FDA, ICH, and European regulatory guidelines
- Expertise with Deviation Management Systems as a Discrepancy Owner
- Proficiency with CAPA execution and Change Control processes
- Experience leading complex Root Cause Analysis investigations
- Ability to write or revise technical documents, including SOPs and process validation reports
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to drive cross-functional alignment and prioritize assignments independently with minimal supervision
- Experience mentoring manufacturing personnel or teams
Genentech Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Genentech and has not been reviewed or approved by Genentech.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescriptions, supported by HSAs/FSAs and broad wellness resources. On‑site fitness and health centers, mental‑health clinicians, and specialized programs like fully covered preventive cancer screenings and menopause support deepen the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits feature a 401(k) with up to a 4% company match plus an additional annual 6% company contribution to eligible pay. Additional financial protections such as life and accident insurance complement salary, bonuses, and stock options.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away includes about 20 paid vacation days, paid holidays, personal days, and a year‑end shutdown. A paid six‑week sabbatical every six years notably expands long‑term time‑off flexibility.
Genentech Insights
What We Do
Considered the founder of the industry, Genentech, now a member of the Roche Group, has been delivering on the promise of biotechnology for more than 40 years. Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. We're passionate about finding solutions for people facing the world's most difficult-to-treat conditions. That is why we use cutting-edge science to create and deliver innovative medicines around the globe. To us, science is personal. Making a difference in the lives of millions starts when you make a change in yours.
