Senior Automation Engineer I

Why Join Us?   Be a hero for our rare disease patients   At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.    Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.   If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.

Position Summary:

ultraimpact – Make a difference for those who need it most

The Senior Automation Engineer I plays a critical role in the design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and ongoing support of the Operational Technology (OT) network that enables process, building, and equipment control systems. This role leads Automation activities during technology transfers, supports daily operations, resolves technical issues, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. Key responsibilities include identifying essential interfaces between the OT network and process/building systems; interpreting P&IDs, wiring diagrams, facility and equipment drawings, and specifications to develop effective automation strategies for GMP manufacturing; and performing hands-on troubleshooting and repairs.

Work Model:

Core Lab & Ops: This role typically requires that the majority of the work be conducted on-site.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Focus Areas:

a. Lead tech transfer activities to implement parameter changes, alarm changes, graphic/logic changes and historical data changes.

b. Collaborate with Process Engineering to implement operational improvements, upgrades and bringing new systems online.

c. Collaboratively work with IT, Facilities, EHS, area BSO’s and other internal and external partners to resolve issues and improve site performance. 

2. This job requires a level of technical proficiency in multiple skill areas and the ability to interpret complex information to solve problems. It also requires a service provider mindset that supports a variety of customers within Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Validation, QC, etc.

3. Provide technical solutions to a wide range of process, building, and networking challenges associated with automated systems.

4. Collaboratively work with IT and other internal and external partners to resolve issues on cybersecurity and maintain data integrity compliance.

5. Subject matter expert in all site automation systems.

6. Program, configure, and integrate equipment into the site OT Network, QMAS, and BMS systems.

7. Develop, review, and approve engineering documentation including specifications, test protocols, preventative maintenance, and audit trail reviews.

8. Support development of engineering standards and procedures.

9. Support the Manufacturing facility and QC Laboratory with regards to automation and instrumentation requirements.

10. Own change controls to implement both minor and major site changes to automation systems.

11. Own deviations to perform investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA creation or improvement opportunities as needed.

12. Ensure that all required training is completed on time and current.

13. Support off hours on-call rotation.

14. May oversee contract staff.

15. May oversee contracts/SOWs, purchase orders, budgets for automation support & initiatives.

Requirements:

1. Required education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or Computer Science with appropriate industrial controls experience.

2. 6+ years of experience in manufacturing GxP support environment, as a system integrator or automation engineer.

3. PLC and DCS coding, installation, and support, including but not limited to Ignition, Allen Bradley, Siemens, and DeltaV.

4. Unders