Sr Staff Program Manager, MES Custom Software Development Transformation

twistbioscience; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 233,000 - 271,000; Full time

Job summary

Twist Bioscience is transforming its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and seeks a Sr Staff Program Manager to lead strategic planning, cross‑functional coordination, and hands‑on delivery of the MES replatform. Hybrid role in South San Francisco, CA or Wilsonville, OR.

You will partner with Technology, Manufacturing Operations, R&D, Quality, and business stakeholders to align priorities, manage dependencies, and drive governance, with experience in Agile delivery and complex software

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years experience improving business processes with a strong focus on manufacturing, life sciences, engineering, or operations.
• Proven expertise in Agile project delivery frameworks (Scrum Master, SAFe, PMI-ACP preferred) with delivery of cross-functional custom software initiatives.
• 5+ years in project or program management leading cross-functional custom software development teams.
• Solid understanding of SDLC, modern software architecture, and business transformation frameworks.
• Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall MES replatform transformation and translate strategy into an actionable program roadmap.
• Direct day-to-day MES replatform execution, managing timelines, scope, resources, and milestones.
• Engage stakeholders across business users, IT process owners, and external software vendors to align status and resolve issues.
• Monitor budget and resources; support forecasting and ensure efficient allocation.
• Assist with organizational change management to ensure smooth adoption of new MES.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and integration risks; enforce quality and validation protocols.

Skills

Agile Delivery

Project Leadership

SDLC Knowledge

Biotech Domain

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Eng/IT/Industrial Eng

Tools

Scrum Master

SAFe

PMI-ACP

Job description

Sr Staff Program Manager, MES Custom Software Development Transformation (Hybrid in South San Francisco, CA or Wilsonville, OR)

Twist Bioscience is embarking on a strategic transformation of its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to modernize our technology platform, enable operational scalability, and support the evolving needs of our business. We are seeking an experienced Sr Staff Program Manager to drive the strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and hands‑on execution of this business‑critical initiative. Reporting directly to the Sr Director of Technology Operations, this role will lead the delivery of the MES replatform efforts, bringing structure, Agile delivery discipline, and strong program governance to ensure successful execution. Partnering closely with Technology, Manufacturing Operations, R&D, Quality, and business stakeholders, this individual will be responsible for aligning priorities, managing complex dependencies, and driving decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Leadership: Lead the overall MES replatform transformation, translating strategic objective into an actionable, integrated program roadmap.
• MES Project Execution: Lead day‑to‑day execution of the MES replatform, managing timelines, scope, resources, and deliverable milestones.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner closely with business users, IT process owners, and external software vendors/agencies to communicate status, align expectations, and resolve cross‑functional issues.
• Budget & Resource Management: Track project expenditures, support financial budgeting, and ensure efficient resource allocation across core initiative tracks.
• Process & Change Optimization: Implement company and departmental procedures that affect immediate operations. Assist with organizational change management to ensure smooth system adoption and transition from legacy platforms.
• Risk & Quality Management: Proactively identify technical, operational, and integration risks. Enforce quality‑control practices, compliance standards, and validation protocols required in manufacturing software environments.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Overall experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience performing and improving business processes, with a strong focus on manufacturing, life sciences, engineering, or operations.
• Agile & Delivery Expertise: Proven expertise in Agile project delivery frameworks (Scrum Master, SAFe, or PMI-ACP certifications preferred) with a strong track record of facilitating Agile ceremonies and managing iteration cycles.
• Project Leadership: 5 plus years in project or program management leading cross‑functional custom software development teams.
• Solid hands‑on understanding of the custom software development lifecycle (SDLC), modern software architecture principles, and business transformation frameworks. Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with a track record of translating complex manufacturing requirements into actionable software solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), PMI-ACP, or SAFe Agilist.
• Industry Focus: Specialized experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or advanced discrete manufacturing environments.
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of custom software development lifecycles (SDLC), shop‑floor manufacturing processes, SCADA/PLC integration, and ISA-95 standards.

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as "writing" DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon‑based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.

The base cash compensation for this California-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.

San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range

$233,000 - $271,000 USD