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Pharma Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ITW RxSafe

Engineering Manager

Vista, CA · On-site

$160K/yr

In January 2024, ITW created a Pharma Automation B.U. after acquiring RxSafe and combining it with ... Align engineering initiatives with Annual Plan (AP) and Long Rang Plan (LRP) strategies through ...

JSat Automation

Validation Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

JSat Automation is hiring a full time Validation Engineer with Pharma Industry experience. The Validation Engineer will be responsible for the following. * Develop, approve, and execute process ...

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Pharma Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do pharma automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharma automation engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What typical challenges might a Pharma Automation Engineer face in their daily work?

A Pharma Automation Engineer often encounters challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with legacy systems, ensuring compliance with strict FDA and GMP regulations, and minimizing downtime during system upgrades or maintenance. Collaboration across departments like quality assurance, production, and IT is common and often requires excellent communication to align on project requirements and timelines. Adapting quickly to evolving industry technologies while maintaining meticulous documentation and validation are essential parts of the job. Overcoming these challenges not only improves process efficiency but also ensures product quality and compliance in a highly regulated environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pharma Automation Engineer?

To thrive as a Pharma Automation Engineer, you need strong knowledge of process automation, pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, GAMP guidelines, and often certifications like ISA or Siemens are important technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help in managing projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These qualifications ensure efficient, compliant, and safe automation solutions that support the stringent operational and regulatory demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

What is a Pharma Automation Engineer?

A Pharma Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing. They ensure compliance with industry regulations, improve efficiency, and troubleshoot automation-related issues. Their work involves programming PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and other automation technologies to streamline production. Additionally, they collaborate with quality, validation, and process teams to ensure smooth and compliant operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California? For Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
Pharma Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharma Automation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to contribute to the development, implementation, and optimization of innovative lab automation systems. The role involves enabling scalable and robust end-to-end automated workflows for high-throughput cell therapy manufacturing QC testing. 

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and managing liquid handling methods, as well as supporting the integration of specified off-the-shelf instruments and custom hardware within a fully automated workcell. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, the hire will contribute to iterating on various aspects of system designs and developing strategies for workflow optimization. Additionally, the role involves leading the development and testing of specific verification and validation plans for our automation systems.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.
Responsibilities
  • Transfer and validated manual to automated QC workflow steps 
  • Develop, validate, and optimize automated methods for sample preparation, analysis, and data collection
  • Design and execute validation experiments to optimize assay and workflow parameters
  • Conduct verification and validation testing of integrated systems to verify proper functionality and performance
  • Analyze automation workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for optimization
  • Implement troubleshooting methodologies to identify and resolve complex assay method issues
Requirements
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
  • 2-4+ years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory automation systems
  • Experience programming and optimizing liquid handling methods
  • Experience developing and implementing integrated automation solutions using Biosero's Green Button Go software
  • Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
  • Experience integrating and managing assay results with LIMS
  • Familiar with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and training materials 
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset
$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019

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