Jobs and Careers

Director, Automation Engineering

Ultragenyx

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 5 Jun 2026

💰 $253,500/yr($205,200/yr – $253,500/yr)

About the role

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:

ultrainnovative – Tackle rare and dynamic challenges

Engineering Management: Oversees the automation engineering team’s day to day operations and metrics. Ensures that manufacturing & facilities equipment is functional and fit for its intended use. Ensures operations are supported, and that troubleshooting and process improvements are implemented with a quality mindset. The Business System Owner for the site’s automation systems: the Qualified Monitoring and Alarm System (QMAS), the site Process Automation System (PAS), the Historical Data system PI, and the Building Monitoring System (BMS).

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. Development of an Automation Roadmap that encourages continuous improvement through the identification and implementation of new ideas that positively impact a segment or area of the organization and its overall performance.

b. Evaluate new technologies for their application in GMP manufacturing facility.

c. Collaboratively work with IT 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, Validation, QC, etc.

3. Works independently to drive all automation strategies and deliverables with limited to no direct supervision or technical oversight required. Represents automation systems and programs to worldwide regulatory agencies.

4. Ability to present to and solicit alignment from senior leadership on both known and unknown challenges/problems.

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

6. Subject matter expert in all site automation systems.

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

8. Develop, review, and approve engineering documentation including equipment specifications, test protocols, engineering standards, and procedures.

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

10. Participate in cross functional teams created to perform investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA creation or improvement opportunities as needed.

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

12. Manages employees and contract staff.

13. Manages contracts/SOWs, purchase orders, budgets for automation support & initiatives.

14. Establishes operational objectives and work plans and reviews objectives to determine success of the Automation Engineering department

15. Participates with other senior managers to establish plans and objectives and make decisions on operational matters

Requirements:

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

2. 10+ years of experience in manufacturi