Head of Automation Systems & Digital Integration (Director)

The Position

Genentech’s Hillsboro Oregon campus—Hillsboro Innovative Therapies (HIT)—serves as a critical hub for emerging cell & gene therapy manufacturing. Housed within a modern 75-acre facility just outside Portland, HIT is at the forefront of advancing cell and gene therapy medicines through accelerated clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities, aligning with Genentech’s mission to bring transformative therapies to patients.

The Automation Systems & Digital Integration team will play a critical role in ensuring the stability, compliance, and reliability of all automation systems essential for GMP clinical manufacturing. By overseeing everything from factory-floor equipment to enterprise-level systems (systems such as SCADA, PLCs, BAS, ECMS, and analytical instrumentation), the team acts as a vital bridge between manufacturing operations and our enterprise-wide digital strategies. If you are passionate about building and leading a high-performing technical team in a dynamic environment, this is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of a brand-new facility.

The Opportunity:

As the Head of Automation Systems & Digital Integration, you will be responsible for establishing and leading the team that will oversee all automation and digital systems for HIT. This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role, requiring deep technical knowledge of automation in GMP environments, strong people leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will ensure that the site's technology platforms are robust, compliant, and aligned with Genentech's mission to advance cell and gene therapies. Additional responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring a high-performing team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Shaping and implementing the long-term automation and digital integration strategy for a state-of-the-art cell and gene therapy manufacturing site
• Championing digital transformation and continuous improvement by identifying and integrating emerging automation technologies to support paperless manufacturing
• Driving compliant and timely system implementation and validation by partnering closely with QA, IT/OT, and global stakeholders.
• Providing subject matter expertise during internal audits and Health Authority inspections, ensuring system ownership and validation lifecycle are audit-ready
• Influencing global automation strategy and best practices by representing HIT in cross-functional forums and network working groups
• Overseeing critical system support, including deviation investigations and performance metrics, to ensure operational continuity and data integrity for MES and other key platforms
  
  

Who You Are:

• You possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or related technical field; Master’s degree preferred
• You have 12+ years of experience supporting automation systems in GMP biopharmaceutical or advanced therapy manufacturing environments
• You have 5+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for technical teams in a matrixed setting
• You have demonstrated expertise in SCADA, PLCs, BAS, and Level 1/2 automation system integration
• You possess a strong understanding of validation, GAMP principles, data integrity, and regulatory expectations for GMP systems
• You have a proven ability to lead investigations, manage change controls, and deliver compliant system implementations
• You have working experience partnering with IT/OT and Quality organizations to support system lifecycle activities and audit readiness
• You have familiarity with laboratory systems integration and analytical equipment support
• You have working experience with Emerson DeltaV, Siemens Desigo, or similar automation platforms
• You possess familiarity with ATMP or cell therapy-specific manufacturing processes and systems
• Have have experience in cross-site or enterprise-wide automation governance or communities of practice
• You have experience representing site automation functions during regulatory inspections or industry forums
  
  

Relocation is approved for this posting.

This is an on-site position; no remote options are offered at this time.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Oregon is $151,600 - $281,500. 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.

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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.

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