Senior Automation Engineer

Company Overview
ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company developing cell and immunotherapy products that are designed to help strengthen each patient’s natural immune system, potentially enabling it to outsmart the disease and eliminate cancerous or infected cells. We envision a day when we no longer fear cancer, but can conquer it, thanks to the biological wonder that is the human immune system. Our scientists are working to develop novel therapies that harness that inherent power by amplifying both branches of the immune system, attacking cancerous or infected cells today while building immunological memory for tomorrow. The goal: to reprogram the patient’s immune system and treat the host rather than just the disease.

Why ImmunityBio?
• ImmunityBio is developing cutting-edge technology with the goal to transform the lives of patients with cancer and develop next-generation therapies and vaccines that complement, harness and amplify the immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases.
• Opportunity to join a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Southern California.
• Work with a collaborative team with the ability to work across different areas of the company.
• Ability to join a growing company with professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

The Senior Automation Engineer (AE) is a hands-on systems level integration of data analysis and software development, and involves close interaction with mechanical, electrical, software, test, and manufacturing engineering functions. The Senior AE will be the subject matter expert (SME) in project activities, and work with cross function teams for successful implementation of automation projects. The AE will support the Senior Manager, Engineering and Manager, Facilities Engineering in driving appropriate GMP change control, preparing/adhering project schedules and budgets, programming process control systems, and providing technical support for daily biologics manufacturing operations and for the specification, installation, start-up and qualification support of process equipment projects.

Essential Functions

• Subject Matter Expert for the design, maintenance, implementation, installation of automation systems related to building automation (BMS), environmental automation (EMS), and future implementation of manufacturing automation systems (MES).
• Install and troubleshoot sensors related to temperature, humidity, pressure, and various other types of equipment.
• Provide project support and able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Think outside box to evaluate and implement continuous improvements for process and equipment.
• Consult and collaborate with SME in Manufacturing, Maintenance, Process Engineers, Plant Engineering, Validation and Quality.
• Lead the creation, modification, and maintenance of automation documentation, including automation specification documents (URS, FDS, SDS), SOPs, P&ID, network topology, PFD, wiring diagrams, panel drawings, etc. in a compliant state CFR Part 11.
• Influence functional groups regarding operability, technical feasibility, engineering design, maintenance, spare parts, installation/shut-down coordination, project schedule and validation/documentation requirements.
• Assist with the developing, planning, and implementation of automation-based projects and solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams, including determination and delivery on cost, time and quality to ensure the sustained production (these projects may be new and/or update to existing).
• Lead installation, start-up, commissioning, and qualification activities.
• Provide technical mentoring and oversight to less experienced engineers responding to and troubleshooting process equipment related issues. 
• Create, edit and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process improvements, and standardization of templates.
• Perform ad-hoc and cross-functional projects assigned to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience is required.
• 5+ years of experience in automation industry is required.
• 3+ years of PLC and HMI programming experience is required.
• Experience with complex troubleshooting and process optimization in pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
• Experience working with a Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology organization is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid drivers license is required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Excellent technical writing, communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of engineering principles required to support GMP facilities and equipment.
• Demonstrate a deep technical knowledge and experience with Automation Systems.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in data analytics.

Working Environment / Physical Environment

• This position works on site,
• Regular work schedule is Monday – Friday, within standard business hours.  Flexibility is available with manager approval.
• This position works in a lab environment
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while wearing appropriate clean room-gowning material and appropriate personal protective equipment
• Ability to work weekends occasionally supports the dynamic production schedule and relevant timelines.
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity award. The annual base pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, prior experience as well as geographic location.

$130,000 (entry-level qualifications) to $143,000 (highly experienced) annually

The application window is anticipated to close on 60 days from when it is posted or sooner if the position is filled or closed.

ImmunityBio employees are as valuable as the people we serve. We have built a resource of robust benefit offerings to best support the total wellbeing of our team members and their families. Our competitive total rewards benefits package, for eligible employees, include: Medical, Dental and Vision Plan Options • Health and Financial Wellness Programs • Employer Assistance Program (EAP) • Company Paid and Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match • 529 Education Savings Program • Voluntary Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance and Employee Discounts, Rewards and Perks • Paid Time Off (PTO) includes: 11 Holidays • Exempt Employees are eligible for Unlimited PTO • Non-Exempt Employees are eligible for 10 Vacation Days, 56 Hours of Health Pay, 2 Personal Days and 1 Cultural Day •  We are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to optimize your Health and Wellness.

At ImmunityBio, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.