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Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy Jobs in Bethesda, MD

Lead Automation Engineer - Process

Rockville, MD · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Build the future of cell therapy manufacturing The opportunity - Rockville, MD Imagine creatingthe ... Relevant certifications in process automation, robotics, Rockwell, Siemens, COPA-DATA, industrial ...

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We're seeking a UiPath Automation Engineer to spearhead cloud initiatives for the United States ... Lead process discovery and solution design sessions with business stakeholders to translate ...

This role will lead automation initiatives from discovery through production support, mentor junior developers, and help mature our RPA Center of Excellence (CoE) practices, governance, and delivery ...

This role will lead automation initiatives from discovery through production support, mentor junior developers, and help mature our RPA Center of Excellence (CoE) practices, governance, and delivery ...

We're seeking a UiPath Automation Engineer to spearhead cloud initiatives for the United States ... Lead process discovery and solution design sessions with business stakeholders to translate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy information

See Bethesda, MD salary details

$54K

$115.5K

$184.6K

How much do process automation engineer cell therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for process automation engineer cell therapy in Bethesda, MD is $115,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,400.00 and $139,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a process automation engineer in cell therapy do?

A Process Automation Engineer in Cell Therapy is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that support the manufacturing of cell-based therapies. They work to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and ensure consistency in the production of therapeutic cells. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting automation equipment, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Their work helps bring advanced therapies to patients by streamlining complex manufacturing workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process automation engineer in cell therapy?

To thrive as a Process Automation Engineer in Cell Therapy, you need a strong background in engineering, biotechnology, or a related field, with experience in process control, automation, and manufacturing operations. Familiarity with automation platforms like PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, and compliance with GxP regulations is typically required, along with certifications such as Six Sigma or relevant automation credentials. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in designing and optimizing automated cell therapy processes. These competencies are crucial to ensuring efficient, compliant, and scalable production of advanced therapies in a highly regulated and innovative industry.

How does a process automation engineer in cell therapy typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project execution?

Process Automation Engineers in Cell Therapy frequently work alongside bioprocess scientists, manufacturing associates, and quality assurance teams to design, implement, and optimize automated systems for cell therapy production. They often participate in multidisciplinary meetings to ensure automation solutions align with regulatory requirements and operational goals. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, as these engineers must translate technical automation concepts into practical solutions that support the unique needs of biologics manufacturing. This collaborative environment enables them to contribute to process improvements while learning from diverse perspectives within the organization.

What is the difference between Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy vs Process Validation Engineer?

AspectProcess Automation Engineer Cell TherapyProcess Validation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; experience with automation systemsBachelor's in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; experience with validation protocols
Work EnvironmentBiotech manufacturing, cell therapy labs, automation system setupManufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs, validation processes
Industry UsageCell therapy manufacturing companies, biotech firmsPharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, quality departments

The Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems specific to cell therapy production. In contrast, the Process Validation Engineer ensures manufacturing processes meet quality standards through validation protocols. Both roles require a strong understanding of biotech manufacturing, but their core responsibilities differ in automation versus process validation tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy jobs in Bethesda, MD?

For Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy jobs in Bethesda, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy jobs in Bethesda, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy jobs in Bethesda, MD are:

What cities near Bethesda, MD are hiring for Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy jobs?

Cities near Bethesda, MD with the most Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Automation Engineer Cell Therapy job openings in Bethesda, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,500 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Lead Automation Engineer - Process

AstraZeneca

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Build the future of cell therapy manufacturing
The opportunity - Rockville, MD
Imagine creating the intelligent automation that helps bring advanced cell therapies to patients with greater reliability, speed, and precision. As Senior Automation Engineer - Cell Therapy, you will be a trusted technical leader for high-impact projects and daily manufacturing operations across our Cell Therapy network. You will combine automation, operational technology, robotics, data, and GMP expertise to turn pioneering concepts into dependable manufacturing capability.
Your impact
Why this role matters
Based at our Rockville, Maryland site, you will join Facilities and Engineering at a defining moment: the first-of-its-kind implementation of a robotic manufacturing cluster. You will shape the network infrastructure, software and hardware integrations, operating strategy, and lifecycle support that make this platform reliable, compliant, secure, and ready to scale. Lean ways of working and standardized methods will help you simplify complexity, improve performance, and focus effort where it creates the greatest value. Because these capabilities support continuous manufacturing operations, the role participates in a shared 24/7 on-call support model.
What you will do
  • Lead Automation and Operational Technology OT strategy for the site's first-of-its-kind robotic manufacturing cluster, serving as the primary technical authority and a trusted partner to Manufacturing, Quality, IT, Engineering, and external suppliers.

  • Own and administer critical Automation/OT platforms, including Environmental and Equipment Monitoring Systems, the Process Orchestration Layer, the robotics cluster, and integrated process equipment.

  • Solve complex automation, OT, and robotics challenges, restore performance quickly, and maintain systems in a secure, reliable, and GMP-validated state.

  • Guide equipment lifecycle decisions-from concept, design, and integration through FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, validation, maintenance, upgrades, and replacement.

  • Design and continuously improve equipment startup logic, sequences of operation, system architecture, data flows, alarms, notifications, and interfaces for facility and manufacturing assets.

  • Leverage artificial intelligence AI, system and equipment data to identify root causes, anticipate risk, improve reliability, and advance real-time process control.

  • Develop sound capital and operating cost estimates that help leaders prioritize strategic investments.

  • Advance energy-management automation and other continuous-improvement opportunities that strengthen operational and environmental performance.

  • Share expertise, mentor colleagues, and help build enduring automation and robotics capability across the organization.

What you bring - Essential Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

  • Five or more years of experience implementing and sustaining process automation or OT systems in manufacturing, laboratory, energy-management, or similarly complex environments.

  • Hands-on experience integrating robotic systems with third-party manufacturing equipment; experience applying artificial intelligence to process execution or real-time control is highly valued.

  • Demonstrated capability across the system lifecycle, including ideation, design, implementation, FAT/SAT, commissioning, qualification, validation, and ongoing support in a GMP-regulated environment.

  • Working knowledge of automation architecture, data flows, configuration, alarm management, remote notifications, and industrial integration standards such as OPC, Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet, hardwired interfaces, and parsers.

  • Experience with relevant platforms and equipment such as Rockwell, Siemens, COPA-DATA Zenon, process orchestration, historians, electronic batch records, or cell therapy manufacturing systems.

  • Familiarity with system integration, data integrity, and zero-trust cybersecurity principles in a regulated environment.

  • A structured, curious approach to troubleshooting and the judgment to balance operational urgency with GMP requirements.

  • Clear communication and collaborative leadership across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Additional experience that will help you thrive
  • Experience with maintenance-management platforms such as SAP in cell therapy, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

  • Relevant certifications in process automation, robotics, Rockwell, Siemens, COPA-DATA, industrial networking, cybersecurity, or related disciplines.

Bring your whole perspective
If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply-even if your experience does not align with every preferred qualification. We value people who combine technical depth with curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to learning. Join us to build automation that can redefine how cell therapies are manufactured and delivered.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $108,194.40 - $162,291.60. 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
04-Sep-2026
Closing Date
24-Sep-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.

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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB