Posted 5 days ago

Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead - Cell Therapy

4314 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Company United States of America, US – Tarzana – CA
Onsite Full Time
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Job description

About the position, the Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead reports to the Head of Cell Therapy Manufacturing and is responsible for providing manufacturing operational perspective on new technology evaluation. The role supports full-scale implementation of new technology platforms and advanced automation solutions across the Cell Therapy Manufacturing supply network. This role serves as the critical interface between technology development functions and the manufacturing supply sites, ensuring that operational constraints are understood early and that robust implementation plans enable successful adoption at scale. Additionally, this role supports development of the execution pathway from proof-of-concept completion through validated, GMP-compliant deployment at supply sites. You will: Serve as the primary manufacturing representative in technology evaluation activities led by Process Sciences and Analytical Technology; provide input on operational constraints including facility limitations, operator capability requirements, maintenance complexity, scheduling impacts, and GMP compliance considerations that influence technology feasibility and adoption timelines Evaluate proposed new technologies and platforms against the realities of the manufacturing and quality control environment at supply sites including cleanroom classifications, existing equipment interfaces, material flows, resource models, batch scheduling, and regulatory filing implications Support proof-of-concept evaluations by providing manufacturing perspective on scalability, operability, integration requirements, and implementation risk; ensure PoC success criteria include manufacturing site-relevant parameters Develop detailed implementation plans for adoption of new technology and platforms at manufacturing supply sites, including resource requirements, training needs, validation strategies, execution pathways, site sequencing, and go-live criteria Coordinate technology deployments across the supply network, defining standard implementation playbooks while accommodating site-specific constraints; establish lessons-learned feedback loops to accelerate sequential site deployments Support the development and implementation of the Cell Therapy Technical Operations digital and AI transformation roadmap in collaboration with the Digital and Business Systems teams for new technology Support development of training and competency-building plans that enable operators and engineers to effectively utilize new technologies post-implementation You have:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Robotics), or related discipline, Master’s degree preferred

Experience

Minimum 10 years in manufacturing technology implementation, tech transfer, or engineering with at least 5 years leading full-scale technology deployments in regulated environments Technical Knowledge: Strong expertise in at least two of: manufacturing, automation/robotics, AI applications, advanced analytical platforms; practical understanding of moving technology from PoC into validated manufacturing operations Implementation

Experience

Demonstrated track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder technology implementations from planning through qualification and operational handover in regulated manufacturing environments; experience managing new technology introduction alongside existing operations Skills: Execution-oriented leadership, cross-functional collaboration, structured planning, digital and tech savvy. The ability to bridge the gap between development innovation and manufacturing operational reality; comfortable operating in a matrixed environment, where, influence and partnership drive outcomes The annual base pay for this position ranges from $161,000 to $240,000. Our positions offer eligibility for multiple incentives an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.

Benefits

offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. #Onsite #CellTherapy #RoboticsManufacturing Date Posted 13-Aug-2026 Closing Date Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.