Principal Utilities Engineer

Roche; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Genentech benefits

Job summary

Genentech is seeking a highly skilled Utilities Engineer to own plant utilities systems at our Oceanside site. You will lead technical efforts across design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation to support reliable operations.

In this role, you will partner with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality and Automation to drive continuous improvement, ensure cGMP compliance, and lead RCA/FMEA initiatives to enhance reliability and safety. Relocation benefits are not available.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in a corporate or manufacturing engineering environment.
• 5+ years of direct utility engineering experience within biotech, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated cGMP facilities.
• Hands-on knowledge of clean water purification (RO/DI to WFI, Clean Steam) and/or plant mechanical systems (central plant, chillers, boilers, HVAC, compressed air).
• Experience with validation/commissioning protocols and change control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering support for site infrastructure across its lifecycle: design, procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Act as technical SME for plant mechanical and clean utilities; oversee field installations and coordinate with subcontractors and vendors on-site.
• Manage change controls, author/ revise SOPs and validation protocols, close deviations, CAPAs and audit observations.
• Collaborate with Process, Automation, Maintenance and Quality teams to resolve complex technical issues and support regulatory audits.
• Apply RCA/FMEA and DMAIC methodologies to improve system reliability, efficiency and safety.

Skills

Utility engineering

cGMP compliance

Root cause analysis

DMAIC/Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Siemens Building Automation

Job description

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

Our Oceanside facility is a cutting-edge, multi-product CHO drug substance manufacturing site featuring parallel commercial production and launch capabilities. We are seeking a highly skilled engineer to serve as an Utilities Engineering System Owner.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead engineering support for critical site infrastructure across its full lifecycle—from project design, procurement, and site installation to commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Automation to ensure reliable, compliant, and sustainable operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Ownership & Leadership: Serve as technical lead for the operation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of plant mechanical (HVAC, chillers, boilers, natural gas, natural refrigerants) and clean utilities (WFI, clean steam, RO/DI, city/soft water, bulk gases/chemicals).
• Project & Field Execution: Review equipment designs, specifications, P&IDs, and vendor packages. Oversee field installations and commissioning activities while guiding subcontractors and vendors on-site.
• cGMP & Quality Compliance: Manage change control processes, author/revise controlled technical documents (SOPs, specifications, validation protocols), and support timely closure of deviations, CAPAs, and audit observations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Process, Automation, Maintenance, and Quality teams to resolve complex technical issues and participate in regulatory audits as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Operational Excellence & Reliability: Lead root cause analysis (RCA/FMEA) and apply DMAIC/Six Sigma methodologies to drive system reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Who You Are

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred).

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in a corporate or manufacturing engineering environment.
• 5+ years of direct utility engineering experience within biotech, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated cGMP facilities.

Technical Expertise:

• Hands-on knowledge of clean water purification (RO/DI to WFI, Clean Steam) and/or plant mechanical systems (central plant, chillers, boilers, HVAC, compressed air).
• Practical understanding of Building Automation Systems (e.g., Siemens) and skid/PLC control integrations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with cGMP regulations, validation/commissioning protocols, and change control procedures.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting background using formal RCA/FMEA techniques.

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $95,200 - $176,800 annual. 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 at the link provided below.

Benefits

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.