Principal Manufacturing Compliance Engineer

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech Oceanside is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Compliance Engineer to serve as a SME ensuring cGMP compliance across biomanufacturing operations. You will manage complex technical, regulatory, and quality issues in collaboration with Quality, MSAT, Facilities & Engineering, and Compliance.

This on-site role requires leadership in RCA, CAPA, change control, and process validation reviews, plus mentoring staff to uphold a strong compliance culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Engineering; 5+ years in pharma/biopharma.
• Strong problem solving and technical writing capabilities for SOPs.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex technical, quality, and compliance issues in biomanufacturing.
• Lead RCA sessions and coordinate CAPA implementations within timelines.
• Review process validation protocols, engineering changes, and variance reports.
• Act as SME to regulatory agencies and contribute to site inspections.
• Identify and mitigate technical or equipment risks impacting production.
• Mentor staff to foster compliance mindset and operational ownership.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Engineering

Tools

Deviation Management Systems (DMS)

CAPA execution

Change Control

Job description

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.

Who We Are

Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The next step is yours.

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.