About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered therapies for some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead's relentless drive for innovation has led to life-changing treatments that improve lives and ensure global access to care. Our mission demands collaboration, determination, and bold scientific advancements, with every team member playing a pivotal role in discovery and development.

Role Overview

As a Sr Automation Engineer III at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, you will lead the design, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of advanced automation solutions critical to our biologics technical development, clinical, and manufacturing facilities. This full-time role focuses on Emerson DeltaV DCS systems, batch control, recipe management, and seamless integration across R&D, clinical, and GMP environments. With a salary range of $182,070 to $235,620, this position offers substantial compensation reflecting your expertise in life sciences automation, alongside opportunities to impact Gilead's groundbreaking work in HIV therapies, oncology, and inflammatory disease treatments.

Why This Role Matters

In biologics and cell/gene therapy manufacturing, precision automation is key to delivering high-quality therapies. You will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster innovation in a collaborative, high-impact environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will encompass a wide range of high-level duties essential to Gilead's operations:

• Lead the design, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of automation solutions using Emerson DeltaV DCS, emphasizing batch control (S88), recipe management, and phase logic execution.
• Support the PI Historian system for real-time and historical data collection, trending, Asset Framework creation, and analysis to enable process monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Integrate biologics laboratory, pilot, clinical, and manufacturing equipment/systems via APIs, OPC UA, and other protocols, ensuring seamless data flow across R&D, clinical, and GMP environments.
• Support DCS/Historian integration with MES platforms and implement automation changes in GMP settings, including hardware/software upgrades, vendor coordination, change control, and qualification/validation.
• Manage external contractors and third-party integrators, defining scopes, monitoring performance, reviewing deliverables, and overseeing budgets/schedules.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams (Technical Development, Manufacturing, QA, QC, IT) to meet project goals.
• Maintain compliant documentation (URS, FS, DS, SOPs, risk assessments, validation protocols) and lead validation efforts per GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this Sr Automation Engineer III position, you need:

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering with at least 10 years of relevant automation experience in life sciences, or MS with 8 years.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS, including batch control, modules, and phase logic.
• Proficiency in industrial protocols like OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and strong expertise in Aveva PI System (PI Adapters, Data Archive, AF, Vision).
• Proven GMP automation background in biologics, cell/gene therapy, or large-molecule manufacturing, with MES integration experience (e.g., Apprentice Tempo or Werum PAS-X).
• Demonstrated skills in managing contractors, mentoring juniors, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to work onsite at least 3 days per week in Foster City, CA.

Preferred: PLC (Rockwell, Siemens), SCADA (Ignition), Python/.NET programming, AWS cloud services, and DevOps tools.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers an exceptional compensation package and benefits suite designed to support your well-being and professional success:

• Competitive base salary from $182,070 to $235,620, determined by experience, qualifications, and location.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee contributions.
• 401(k) matching, stock purchase plans, and performance bonuses.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and family support programs.
• Professional development funding, tuition reimbursement, and leadership training.
• Onsite fitness centers, wellness programs, and employee resource groups fostering inclusion.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career advancement is a priority. As a people leader or aspiring leader, you'll drive cultural evolution and empower teams. This role provides mentorship opportunities, exposure to emerging technologies like cloud services and DevOps, and pathways to senior engineering or management positions. Gilead's commitment to employee development ensures you can grow alongside our ambitious goals in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to therapies that transform lives globally. Our Foster City campus offers a collaborative, innovative environment where your automation expertise directly supports biologics manufacturing for HIV treatments, cancer therapies, and inflammatory disease solutions. With a focus on inclusion, development, and empowerment, Gilead equips you to make a difference. Experience a premium workplace with top-tier benefits, cutting-edge projects, and a mission-driven culture.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the onsite requirement? A: At least 3 days per week in Foster City, California.

Q: Is prior biologics experience required? A: Yes, proven GMP automation in biologics or similar is essential.

Q: What salary can I expect? A: $182,070 - $235,620 base, plus benefits and potential incentives.

Q: Are there growth opportunities? A: Absolutely, with mentorship, training, and leadership tracks.

Q: How does Gilead support innovation? A: Through access to new platforms, cloud tools, and cross-functional collaboration on high-impact projects.