Principal Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy

We are seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to join our Manufacturing Sciences & Technology (MS&T) function as a member of the site-based MS&T team. This role will support multiple clinical manufacturing facilities at AstraZeneca’s Santa Monica, CA and Tarzana, CA locations.  

This position focuses on ensuring robust, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing of clinical and commercial cell therapy products. 

This is a people-manager role overseeing a team of engineers, with occasional individual contributions that may include: leading technical support, developing technical instructions, procedures, and operator training content, performing data analysis and process performance trending, leading complex deviation investigations, leading implementation of CAPAs and continuous improvement through change controls, and contributing to validation and regulatory deliverables. These responsibilities will be exercised through the scope of supporting, technology transfer, clinical manufacturing, site readiness, process validation/PPQ, commercial manufacture readiness, and product lifecycle management activities. 

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with cell therapy unit operations through previous experience in process development and/or manufacturing, as well as expertise in technology transfer. Experience with process validation and commercialization activities is desired. This position will report to the Associate Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Site manufacturing support 

• Manage, guide, and mentor MS&T engineer(s) 

• Process Execution Support: Provide day-to-day technical support for cell therapy manufacturing, including managing on-the-floor support for critical campaigns (including occasional off-shift support where required) 

• Operations Support: Lead Site MS&T representation at operational tier meetings, providing collaborative inputs that drive site activities 

• Data trending and analysis: Maintain manufacturing data tracking system and control charts, perform trend analyses, identify signals, and drive timely signal-to-action with clear documentation and cross-functional alignment. 

• Process performance monitoring: Conduct batch record review, deviation assessment, and data trending to ensure robustness of cell therapy manufacturing processes. 

• Deviation/CAPA Support: Lead technical investigations for deviations and process excursions, perform root cause analysis, develop and implement CAPAs with appropriate data. 

• Continuous improvements: Identify, justify, and implement continuous improvements by shepherding changes through cross‑functional change controls with appropriate risk assessments and comparability. 

• Raw materials: Support qualification of critical materials (e.g., cytokines, viral vector, single-use assemblies) and assess impact of raw material changes, and contribute to second-source strategies 

• Documentation & GMP Compliance: Author and revise batch records, SOPs, and technical reports; protocols, manufacturing summary reports, ensure adherence to cGMP/ATMP requirements and data integrity principles (ALCOA+). 

• Training & Knowledge Transfer: Deliver operator training on critical process steps or process changes; Develop and drive lessons-learned, playbooks, and best practices across sites. 

• Regulatory Contributions: Draft and review CMC sections (Module 3), response to agency question, support health authority and internal audits/inspections. 

Technology Transfer & Process Validation 

• Draft and review risk assessments and comparability study design 

• Establish framework for New Product Introduction procedures and intake at the site 

• Lead technology transfer activities (process descriptions, URS inputs, BOMs, risk assessments), implement process changes, coordinate execution of engineering runs and comparability/bridging studies, author technical reports 

• Translate process characterization outputs from development into manufacturing controls, and draft sections of PPQ protocols/reports 

• Provide and manage on the floor technical support during scale-out, engineering runs, PPQ batches, and commercial manufacturing campaigns (including off-shift support when required). 

Cross‑Functional Collaboration 

• Serve as site MS&T lead at CMC and functional governance meetings 

• Position serves as primary interface between site Manufacturing, site Quality, site Supply Chain, and global functions of Process Development and CMC regulatory 

• Support lifecycle management for cell therapy processes, including continuous improvement initiatives and post-approval changes  

Required Qualifications 

Education 

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 4+ years of industry experience;  

• OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 8+ years of industry experience 

• OR B.S. with 10+ years of hands-on industry experience. 

Technical Skills 

• Strong technical and hands-on expertise in key cell therapy unit operations and common cell therapy processing equipment 

• Demonstrated experience working in GMP environments, including batch record execution or review, deviations, and investigations. 

• Proficiency with statistical analysis (including univariate, multi-variate analysis, control charts)  

• Demonstrated ability in accurate and thorough technical writing, paired with clear and concise verbal communication  

• Strong data analysis, and problem‑solving skills. 

Soft skills 

• Excellent cross‑functional communication and collaboration. 

• Ability to translate complex data into clear decisions and regulatory-ready narratives. 

• Excellent problem solving, cross-functional leadership, and communication under time-sensitive conditions. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with late‑stage clinical manufacturing support of cell therapy products 

• Experience with process validation and commercial readiness of cell therapy products 

Work Environment 

• On-site in Santa Monica and Tarzana, CA 

• Ability to travel ~15% to other manufacturing facilities  

• On-call rotation during engineering/PPQ/critical campaigns 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $142,377.60 - $213,566.40. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in 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, employee will be in an “at-will position” and 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 individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Fantastic! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours. Apply today.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.