Robotics Technology Deployment Steward (Drug Substance)
Roche
Summary
As a vital member within the Drug Substance Technology Deployment Group, the Robotics Technology Deployment Steward serves as the primary execution engine bridging central strategy with site-level manufacturing operations. Working in close partnership with the Robotics Technology Strategy Lead, this role supports technology scouting, translates high-level strategy into value-driven proofs-of-concept (PoCs), and leads the tactical roll-out of standardized robotics and automation solutions to directly address operational pain points across our global production sites.
Job description
The Opportunity
As a vital member within the Drug Substance Technology Deployment Group, the Robotics Technology Deployment Steward serves as the primary execution engine bridging central strategy with site-level manufacturing operations. Working in close partnership with the Robotics Technology Strategy Lead, this role supports technology scouting, translates high-level strategy into value-driven proofs-of-concept (PoCs), and leads the tactical roll-out of standardized robotics and automation solutions to directly address operational pain points across our global production sites.
- Site Pain Point Resolution & Technology Scouting: Act as the Drug Substance liaison for manufacturing sites, identifying operational bottlenecks, evaluating local challenges through a global network lens, and actively support the scouting for emerging robotics/automation solutions to drive standardized resolution.
- Strategic Roadmap Co-Creation: Partner closely with the Technology Strategy Lead to drive and shape the global/network robotics roadmap, leading hands-on operational execution, provide technical expertise, and consolidate/represent site feasibility perspectives.
- Proof of Concept (PoC) Execution: Lead cross-functional execution teams (across MSAT, Engineering, Quality, IT/OT, and Operations) to design, execute, and evaluate rapid, ROI-driven PoCs, providing data-backed recommendations to scale, pivot, or stop technologies based on business value.
- Lead the end-to-end deployment lifecycle: Drive post-CAPEX industrialization plans, oversee cross-functional IT/OT system integration (e.g., SCADA, MES, digital twins), and manage the operational handover by preparing site integration packages (URS, CQV/CSV) to ensure a successful transition to local site operations.
Who you are
You are a pragmatic innovator with deep technical knowhow and hands-on expertise in deploying robotics and automation within complex regulated manufacturing environments, driven to solve critical site operational challenges through scalable technology.
Requirements
- BSc, MSc or PhD in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 6+ years of relevant hands-on industrial experience in robotics integration, complex automation deployment, or manufacturing engineering within pharmaceutical/biotech or other highly regulated industries
- Direct involvement in major Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) project lifecycles and CQV exposure
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and drive multi-site project deployments without direct hierarchical authority
- Practical understanding of IT/OT integration layers (SCADA/MES)
- Basic data/coding literacy (e.g., Python, SQL)
- Excellent project management and problem-solving with a track record of project completion
- Demonstrated experience deploying targeted automation solutions in the Drug Substance domain (e.g., AMRs for heavy mobile logistics, automated fluid transfer, robotic aseptic sampling, automated single-use system manipulation)
- Preferred: Additional education or certifications in Business Administration (e.g., MBA), Change Management, or Systems Engineering
- Preferred: Data processing capabilities
Company overview
Roche is a Swiss multinational healthcare company and a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, founded in 1896 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. As the world's largest biotech company and the fifth-largest pharmaceutical company by revenue, Roche operates through two primary divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. The company is renowned for its leadership in personalized healthcare, combining strengths in both drug development and diagnostic testing to deliver tailored treatments for patients. Roche maintains a strong focus on oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and central nervous system disorders, with a portfolio that includes over 30 medicines on the World Health Organization's Model Lists of Essential Medicines. The company owns significant subsidiaries including Genentech, Chugai Pharmaceuticals, Ventana Medical Systems, and Foundation Medicine. With approximately 103,000 employees worldwide and operations in over 100 countries, Roche has established itself as a leader in cancer treatments globally while maintaining a robust pipeline of innovative therapies and diagnostic solutions. The company's commitment to sustainability has been recognized through ten consecutive years as Group Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry.