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 tackling some of the world's most pressing health challenges, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead's innovative portfolio has transformed lives by improving access to life-changing treatments globally. With a relentless drive for scientific innovation, Gilead fosters collaboration and empowers its teams to push boundaries in drug discovery and development.

Role Overview

The Sr Human Factors Engineer I position at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, is a pivotal role within the device and combination product development team. This full-time opportunity focuses on human factors engineering (HFE) for drug-device combinations such as pre-filled syringes and auto-injectors. You will lead HFE strategies from early feasibility through clinical development, registration, and post-market surveillance, ensuring user-centered design that meets rigorous regulatory standards. This role offers a chance to directly impact patient safety and product usability in therapies addressing HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Key Impact Areas

As a senior contributor, you'll bridge engineering, regulatory, and cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, intuitive medical devices that enhance patient outcomes worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will take ownership of critical HFE activities to support the lifecycle of combination products. Responsibilities include leading or supporting HFE strategies, including requirements definition, use-related risk analysis, formative usability studies, instruction development, and summative studies. You will author essential HFE deliverables for design history files and health authority submissions, such as FDA responses. Educating internal stakeholders on HFE processes, interfacing with consulting firms, and improving Gilead's internal HFE workflows for consistency and efficiency are core duties. All work must adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and applicable regulations like IEC 62366 and FDA guidance on human factors.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or a related scientific field with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or an M.S. degree with 4+ years. Proven experience leading HFE efforts for combination product development and commercialization is essential, including deep knowledge of human factors standards, design controls, and risk management for medical devices. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required, along with the ability to analyze data, facilitate vendor interactions, and manage project timelines amid ambiguity. People leadership accountabilities emphasize creating inclusion, modeling diversity, and embedding these values in team management.

Preferred Experience

Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration, influencing stakeholders, and delivering high-quality documentation under regulatory scrutiny sets top candidates apart.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package, including a competitive salary estimated at $165,000-$220,000 annually based on biopharma sector rates in Foster City, with a 5-10% buffer for top talent. Comprehensive benefits encompass health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and family leave. Employees enjoy onsite fitness centers, flexible work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement. Gilead's commitment to well-being includes mental health resources and wellness programs, ensuring you thrive while advancing global health.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career progression is a priority. As a Sr Human Factors Engineer I, you'll have opportunities to lead larger projects, mentor juniors, and transition into people leadership roles. Gilead invests in professional development through training, conferences, and internal mobility programs. Many engineers advance to principal or director levels, contributing to strategic initiatives in HIV therapies, oncology innovations, and inflammatory disease treatments. The company's bold ambitions provide a platform for ambitious professionals to make lasting impacts.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a mission-driven team fighting the world's biggest health challenges. Work on groundbreaking therapies for HIV, where Gilead's antiretrovirals have saved millions of lives; oncology, with targeted cancer treatments; and inflammatory diseases, advancing novel biologics. Foster City's state-of-the-art campus offers a collaborative environment with inclusive leadership that values diversity and empowers every employee. With a culture of determination and innovation, Gilead equips you to create possible together, delivering real-world results for patients globally.

Role FAQs

What is the experience level required?

B.S. + 6 years or M.S. + 4 years in relevant HFE for combination products.

Is leadership experience necessary?

While not required, people leadership accountabilities include fostering inclusion and diversity.

What regulations apply?

IEC 62366, FDA human factors guidance, design controls, and risk management standards.

Is relocation support available?

Gilead offers competitive relocation packages for qualified candidates.

How does this role contribute to Gilead's mission?

By ensuring safe, user-friendly devices for therapies in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.