Principal Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy

We are seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to join our Manufacturing Sciences & Technology (MS&T) function as a member of the site-based MS&T team. This role will support multiple clinical manufacturing facilities at AstraZeneca’s Santa Monica, CA and Tarzana, CA locations.  

This position focuses on ensuring robust, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing of clinical and commercial cell therapy products. 

This is a people-manager role overseeing a team of engineers, with occasional individual contributions that may include: leading technical support, developing technical instructions, procedures, and operator training content, performing data analysis and process performance trending, leading complex deviation investigations, leading implementation of CAPAs and continuous improvement through change controls, and contributing to validation and regulatory deliverables. These responsibilities will be exercised through the scope of supporting, technology transfer, clinical manufacturing, site readiness, process validation/PPQ, commercial manufacture readiness, and product lifecycle management activities. 

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with cell therapy unit operations through previous experience in process development and/or manufacturing, as well as expertise in technology transfer. Experience with process validation and commercialization activities is desired. This position will report to the Associate Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Site manufacturing support 

• Manage, guide, and mentor MS&T engineer(s) 

• Process Execution Support: Provide day-to-day technical support for cell therapy manufacturing, including managing on-the-floor support for critical campaigns (including occasional off-shift support where required) 

• Operations Support: Lead Site MS&T representation at operational tier meetings, providing collaborative inputs that drive site activities 

• Data trending and analysis: Maintain manufacturing data tracking system and control charts, perform trend analyses, identify signals, and drive timely sign