Senior Principal Robotics Engineer - CVRM

Senior Principal Robotics Engineer - CVRM

ITOT supports Pharma Technical Manufacturing (PTM), PTM is responsible for managing all aspects of end-to-end drug substance and drug product manufacturing and supply. From the raw material to the final medicine, we contribute to delivering Roche’s ground-breaking therapies to more than 120 million patients around the world. We make our medicines at nine sites around the world and coordinate all aspects of production of Roche medicines in all disease areas and dosage forms.

To ensure readiness for a step-change in the standard of care that Roche delivers in the area of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), PTM will construct a new manufacturing site in the U.S. in Holly Spring, North Carolina. ITOT will own and operate Manufacturing Technology stack at the site working with Global IT. The new site will focus on large volume low-cost Drug Product manufacturing (Component Prep & Compounding, Liquid PFS Filling, Automated Inspection, Autoinjector Assembly, Packaging/Finished Products).

The Opportunity

The Senior Principal Robotics Engineer will build, gain approval for, and fully implement the comprehensive robotics program for the Holly Springs Greenfield project. The role is essential for transforming the site's manual operations into a "Smart Factory" model, targeting a state-of-the-art Highly Automated Warehouse and the integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) throughout the facility.

Initially, you will perform a mix of remote and onsite work (first at the General Planner’s office, later at construction site/plant). You will transition to local full-time on-site work once the site buildings are built and equipment delivered. Eventually, you will transition into the site-based robotics systems owner and provide site operations support on robotics. Travel of up to 30% of the time is expected during the project phase.

What You Will Do

• Program Development & Implementation: Create full context about the Holly Springs Robotics strategy to hone, get approval, and implement the comprehensive Holly Springs robotics program.
• System Ownership & Support: Eventually become the dedicated site-based robotics systems owner and provide ongoing, 24/7 site operations support on robotics once the facility goes live.
• Team Leadership: Possibly manage a team of robotics engineers in the future, scaling the team based on business needs and commercial filling requirements.
• Robotics PIT Leadership: Serve on the Robotics Project Implementation Team (PIT) to focus on robotics and technical enablement, implementation of industry standards, and ensuring seamless compatibility, connectivity, and data integrity.
• Smart Factory Integration: Lead the transition of manual operations into a "Smart Factory" model, integrating Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), AGVs (e.g., MiR, Geek+), and ASRS systems across end-to-end flows (kitting, filling, packaging, waste handling).
• Strategy & Roadmap Creation: Formulate a capability roadmap and investment case to articulate the ROI of robotic interventions based on labor savings, ergonomic risks, and increased facility uptime.
• System Qualification: Support end-to-end system qualification, including test creation, execution, and approval, working alongside IT/OT to integrate robotics into the digital twin and enterprise architecture.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure the integration of environmental health, safety, and security into the business processes, and adhere to site SOPs and work instructions for daily and project deliverables.
• Who You Are
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science preferred) and 10 years of experience, or Master’s degree in Engineering and 8 years of experience.
• Proven experience in program creation and cross-functional project management, with the capability and ambition to eventually manage a team of robotics engineers.
• Able to provide 24X7 support and participate in an on-call environment to meet business continuity requirements, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech robotics or automated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Health Authority practices, 21 CFR Part 11, cGMP Annex 11, and Data Integrity principles is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills
• Demonstrated Robotics Experience: Proven, hands-on technical proficiency in designing, deploying, configuring, and maintaining robotics systems, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).
• System Integration: Demonstrated expertise in integrating robotics with enterprise and manufacturing systems like SAP EWM, WCS (Körber K.One.X), and MES platforms.
• Fleet Management: Deep understanding of AGV/AMR fleet management software (FMS), navigation technologies (Laser, Natural, Magnetic), and dynamic traffic tuning.
• Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Proficiency in troubleshooting robotics hardware, sensor calibration, safety fields, and PLC communication protocols (e.g., Profinet/EtherNet/IP).
• Industry Awareness: Keeps abreast of key Manufacturing IT and Robotics trends - Industrial IoT, Digital Plant Maturity, Pharma 4.0, and automated cleanroom sampling.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Holly Springs, North Carolina is $114,400 - $212,400.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.