Associate Director - Digital Manufacturing & Automation Lead, Cell Therapy

The Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing & Automation will lead the design, implementation, integration, and continuous improvement of next-generation manufacturing digital platforms supporting Cell Therapy operations. This role bridges Manufacturing Operations, Automation Engineering, Digital IT, Quality, and Product teams to enable scalable, compliant, and intelligent manufacturing ecosystems across global Cell Therapy sites.
The primary focus is architecting and delivering advanced manufacturing capabilities including MES, LIMS, manufacturing automation, robotics integration, Tulip applications, and process orchestration platforms supporting end-to-end digital manufacturing workflows. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical product ownership capabilities combined with deep manufacturing systems expertise and hands-on experience integrating OT/IT ecosystems in regulated GMP environments.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Manufacturing Platforms
Own delivery of scalable digital manufacturing platforms across Cell Therapy operations
Lead development of MES, LIMS, automation interfaces, robotics workflows, and orchestration capabilities through internal teams and external partners
Define product roadmaps, manage technical backlogs, and drive delivery of digital batch execution, electronic work instructions, device integration, and real-time visibility
Serve as technical product owner ensuring solutions meet manufacturing and compliance requirements
MES & LIMS Workflow Orchestration
Lead MES and LIMS workflow orchestration supporting autologous and allogeneic manufacturing processes
Design orchestration frameworks integrating MES, LIMS, ERP, automation systems, robotics, and data platforms
Define manufacturing process flows, APIs, data exchange patterns, and event-driven architectures
Manage vendor delivery, reviewing technical designs and validating implementation quality
Tulip Manufacturing Applications
Own Tulip application roadmap and delivery, partnering with development teams to build applications supporting shop floor execution, operator workflows, deviations, equipment monitoring, and process visibility
Define application requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria
Build or oversee development of reusable components, connectors, integrations, and low-code automation workflows
Partner with manufacturing SMEs to rapidly prototype and deploy solutions
Robotics & Manufacturing Automation Integration
Lead integration of robotics platforms, automation equipment, OT systems, and edge devices into enterprise platforms
Own technical delivery of automated material movement, manufacturing execution, environmental monitoring, and equipment telemetry
Perform hands-on integration including middleware configuration (HighByte, OPC-UA), scripting, and file system management
Enterprise Systems Integration
Lead integration of MES and LIMS with SAP, automation systems, and analytics platforms
Enable real-time sample tracking, chain of identity/custody, and manufacturing genealogy
Define canonical data models supporting advanced analytics and AI use cases
Drive API integrations with SAP ERP, vein-to-vein systems, and custom/bespoke supplier applications
Technical Leadership & Solution Delivery
Act as technical product owner managing delivery roadmaps, sprint planning, and stakeholder expectations
Apply Agile methodologies, CI/CD, DevSecOps, automated testing, and version control
Ensure applications are scalable, secure, maintainable, and GxP compliant
Review and validate technical work by development partners and vendors
AI & Advanced Digital Manufacturing
Leverage AI/ML to optimize workflows, exception handling, predictive maintenance, and manufacturing intelligence
Support digital twins, manufacturing analytics, and intelligent automation implementation
Drive innovation through rapid experimentation and Industry 4.0 technology adoption
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Manufacturing Operations, MSAT, Quality, Supply Chain, Automation Engineering, Digital IT, and vendors
Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions and delivery plans
Support site deployments, validation, training, and operational readiness
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Automation Engineering, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field
8+ years in manufacturing systems, digital manufacturing, MES implementation, or automation engineering
Strong technical product ownership or program management experience leading complex manufacturing system implementations
Experience with MES/LIMS platforms in pharmaceutical, biotech, cell therapy, or regulated manufacturing
Hands-on experience with Tulip platform or similar low-code manufacturing platforms
Experience integrating manufacturing automation systems, robotics, environmental monitoring, and OT systems
Technical integration expertise:
API development and integration
Middleware platforms (HighByte, OPC-UA, MQTT)
File system management (SMB, NFS) and scripting
Database design and connectivity
Event-driven architectures
Experience with SAP manufacturing integrations
Ability to review and validate technical work by development teams and vendors
Strong understanding of GxP, CFR Part 11, data integrity, and validation requirements
Experience in Agile product delivery environments
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy, biologics, or ATMPs
Experience with manufacturing orchestration platforms and digital thread architectures
Experience with HighByte, OPC-UA, MQTT, or industrial connectivity platforms
Experience integrating robotics platforms and autonomous manufacturing systems
Exposure to AI/ML applications in manufacturing operations
Experience designing manufacturing data platforms and operational analytics solutions
Knowledge of ISA-95, ISA-88, and Industry 4.0 principles
Programming experience with Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, or similar
Experience with cloud-native applications and CI/CD pipelines
#CellTherapy
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $124K to $186K. Our positions offer eligibility for various 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.
Date Posted
23-Oct-2026
Closing Date
05-Nov-2026
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.