Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 139,400 - 200,600; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive is seeking a Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer in Sunnyvale to lead logistics for new pharmaceutical product introductions, define end-to-end processes for inventory, order flow and distribution, and ensure compliance with cold chain standards.

You will partner with the Fluorescence Imaging organization and the Global Logistics team to manage 3PLs, distributors and wholesalers, develop and monitor project plans, and drive cross-functional improvements toward critical KPIs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of operations process experience in the pharmaceutical distribution industry.
• Fluent English language skills (verbal and written).
• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or engineering; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics workstream for new pharmaceutical product introductions, including establishing the logistics network (3PL, distributors, wholesalers).
• Define end-to-end processes including inventory management, order flow, EDI/IT systems.
• Execute Fluorescence Imaging and Global Logistics projects within budget, timeline, and scope.
• Create process flow maps to illustrate options for teams and leaders.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with 3PL providers, distributors, and wholesalers.
• Develop and maintain project management infrastructure (Smartsheet, Box, etc.).
• Identify and schedule project deliverables, milestones, and activities.
• Lead staffing for project activities and coordinate recruitment as needed.
• Develop and execute logistics launch plans with timelines, risks, and mitigations.
• Ensure project goals align with business objectives and KPIs.
• Direct and coordinate project personnel to stay on scope and schedule.
• Present updates and recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Operations experience

Pharmaceutical distribution

Independent work

Prioritization

Communication

English fluency

Travel readiness

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or engineering

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

SAP

Lucidchart

Box

Zoom

Microsoft Visio

PowerPoint

Project

Excel

Job description

Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer

• Full-time
• Shift: Day
• Max. Salary Region 2: 170500 USD
• Max. Salary Region 1: 200600 USD
• Ways of Working: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
• Employee Type: Employee
• Min. Salary Region 1: 139400 USD
• Global Job Level (HCM): Professional 4 (11)
• Min. Salary Region 2: 118500 USD

Primary Function of the Position

The Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer serves as a leader within Intuitive's Global Logistics Team, partnering closely with the Fluorescence Imaging organization to enable the successful commercialization of pharmaceutical imaging agents. The primary function of this role is to ensure that all aspects of distribution (e.g., specialty distributors and wholesalers), transportation, storage, and logistics are clearly defined and seamlessly orchestrated to ensure compliance with cold chain pharmaceutical standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics workstream for new pharmaceutical product introductions from later-stage development through commercialization, including establishing the logistics network (e.g., 3PL, specialty distributors, wholesalers).
• Define the end-to-end processes including inventory management, order flow, EDI/IT systems.
• Execute Fluorescence Imaging and Global Logistics projects within the approved budget, timeline and scope.
• Create process flow maps to help team partners and leaders gain a deeper understanding of process options.
• Assist in the management of day-to-day relationships with 3PL providers, specialty distributors, and wholesalers with Fluorescence Imaging organization.
• Develop and maintain project management infrastructure supporting project collaboration, communications, and delivery (e.g., Smartsheet, Box folders, project artifacts).
• Identify and schedule project deliverables, milestones, required activities and tasks.
• Assist in the creation of the Project Charter, execute and monitor to the Project Charter.
• Establish work plan and staffing for project activities, iterations or phases, and arrange for recruitment or assignment of project personnel.
• Develop and execute logistics launch plans, including timelines, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that project goals are accomplished and are in line with business objectives and success metrics.
• Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure that the project progresses on scope, on schedule and within budget.
• Present recommendations or ask for specific support to “go to green” of steering committees and leadership.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream partners to understand process pain points and drive improvements impacting cross-functional KPIs.
• Present project updates, findings, and detailed, prioritized recommendations to sponsors and key stakeholders in various formats (e.g., Smartsheet dashboards, written reports, steering committees).
• Collaborate with Global Process Owners to implement system and process improvements ensuring alignment and consistency for the Specialty program.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of operations process experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical distribution industry.
• Highly proactive with the ability to work independently.
• Highly organized with a strong ability to prioritize tasks and deliverables across a portfolio.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting in front of leadership.
• Fluent English language skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
• Five plus years of BU or BU-facing experience, with sensitivity and commitment to business problem solving specifically in pharma, specialty pharma, and supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to use soft skills successfully.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a cross‑functional, global project teams.
• Experience in logistics and distribution environments, third party logistics and cold chain.
• Pharmaceutical regulatory compliance, e.g., FDA, DSCSA, QMS, beneficial.
• Experience working with or leading IT teams in developing SAP‑centric solutions beneficial.

Required Education and Training

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, engineering, or similar, or an equivalent blend of work and certification experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Intermediate user of LucidCharts, Box, Zoom, and Microsoft Visio, PowerPoint, Project, Excel, or similar.

Working Conditions

• Professional corporate offices
• Logistics warehousing sites

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Program or Product ownership
• Familiarity with ISO13485:2016 and MDSAP
• APICS certification

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID‑19. Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.