Director, Automation Engineering

Ultragenyx; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 205,200 - 253,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation time

Volunteer days

Employee stock purchase plans

Job summary

Ultragenyx in Bedford, Massachusetts is looking for an Engineering Management professional to oversee automation engineering operations. This role involves ensuring the functionality of manufacturing equipment and supporting operations with troubleshooting and process improvements.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing support, specifically with PLC and DCS systems. Join us to impact patient care in rare disease medicine.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing support environment.
• 5+ years of management experience preferred.
• Understanding of network architecture.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the automation engineering team's day-to-day operations.
• Develops an Automation Roadmap for continuous improvement.
• Evaluates new technologies for application in GMP manufacturing.

Skills

PLC and DCS coding

Understanding and configuration of systems

Experience with BMS systems

Familiarity with industry standard communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Allen Bradley

Siemens

DeltaV

Job description

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. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.

Why Join Us?

Position Summary

ultra innovative – 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

• Strategic Focus Areas
• 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.
• Evaluate new technologies for their application in GMP manufacturing facility.
• Collaboratively work with IT and other internal and external partners to resolve issues and improve site performance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to present to and solicit alignment from senior leadership on both known and unknown challenges/problems.
• Provide technical solutions to a wide range of process, building, and networking challenges associated with automated systems.
• Subject matter expert in all site automation systems.
• Program, configure, and integrate equipment into the site OT Network, QMAS, and BMS systems.
• Develop, review, and approve engineering documentation including equipment specifications, test protocols, engineering standards, and procedures.
• Support the Manufacturing facility and QC Laboratory with regards to automation and instrumentation requirements.
• Participate in cross functional teams created to perform investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA creation or improvement opportunities as needed.
• Ensure that all required training is completed on time and current.
• Manages employees and contract staff.
• Manages contracts/SOWs, purchase orders, budgets for automation support & initiatives.
• Establishes operational objectives and work plans and reviews objectives to determine success of the Automation Engineering department
• Participates with other senior managers to establish plans and objectives and make decisions on operational matters

Requirements

• Required education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or Computer Science with appropriate industrial controls experience.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing support environment, as a system integrator or automation engineer. 5+ years of Management experience preferred.
• PLC and DCS coding, installation, and support, including but not limited to Allen Bradley, Siemens, and DeltaV.
• Understanding and configuration of systems such as PI, Win-911, and InfoBatch.
• Experience with BMS systems (Delta Controls preferred).
• Experience with analytical equipment such as balances, pH/DO meters, Nova FLEX2, Beckman Coulter Vi‑CELL, filter integrity testers, etc.
• Understanding of instrumentation, electrical, and wiring standards.
• Understanding of network architecture, including firewall, and switch configuration and virtualized environments.
• Familiarity with industry standard communication protocols such as Ethernet IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC, and BACnet.
• Experience with current trends in automation and instrumentation to be able to select and implement modern controls architectures.
• Adherence to domestic and international GMP regulations.
• 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.
• Able to effectively manage the automation lifecycle of controls components.
• Familiarity with bioprocessing systems for Drug Substance and Drug Product manufacturing.

Physical Demand Requirements

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).

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 USD - $253,500 USD

Benefits

• 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
• Benefits vary by region and country

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based 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 [e-mail].

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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 [e-mail].