Principal Utilities Engineer

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

Job summary

Genentech in California seeks an Utilities Engineering System Owner to lead and optimize plant mechanical and clean utility systems, including HVAC, boilers, and water purification.

The role requires 5–8 years in manufacturing engineering and 5+ years in biotech utility engineering, with strong cGMP, RCA/FMEA, and collaboration across Process, Automation, Maintenance, and Quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical) required.
• 5–8 years of experience in corporate/manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years of direct utility engineering experience in biotech/pharma or regulated facilities.
• Hands-on knowledge of clean water purification (RO/DI to WFI, Clean Steam) and plant mechanical systems.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (e.g., Siemens) and skid/PLC control integrations.
• Proficiency with cGMP regulations, validation/commissioning, and change control.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for operation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of plant mechanical and clean utilities.
• Review equipment designs, specs, P&IDs, and vendor packages; supervise field installations and commissioning on-site.
• Manage change control processes; author/revise SOPs, specifications, validation protocols; support deviations, CAPAs, and audits.
• Partner with Process, Automation, Maintenance, and Quality teams to resolve complex issues and participate in regulatory audits as SME.
• Lead RCA/FMEA and apply DMAIC/Six Sigma to drive reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Skills

HVAC systems

Chillers

Boilers

Natural gas systems

Clean utilities

RCA/FMEA

cGMP compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Siemens BAS

PLC integration

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

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.

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.