
Sr Principal Engineer, Cell Therapy Technical Operations
Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.
Our Cell Therapy platform is built on Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology, enabling the re-engagement of the immune system to treat cancer.
Join the Cell Therapy Development and Operations (CTDO) division, where we are building leading cell therapy platforms to serve patients with novel immunotherapies. The Cell Therapy Technical Operations (CTTO) group within CTDO plays a critical role in:
- Technology transfer and process validation
- CMC lifecycle management
- Oversight of external manufacturing partners
- Process engineering and standardization to support global manufacturing scale-up and robustness
We are seeking a Senior Principal Process Engineer to join our CTTO team.
Position Summary
The Senior Principal Process Engineer will lead the transfer and lifecycle management of manufacturing processes from development through commercialization. This includes facility fit assessments, development of GMP documentation (e.g., batch records, forms), training, quality systems engagement (e.g., change controls), and cross-functional collaboration.
The successful candidate will support late-phase clinical and commercial programs, including PPQ strategy development, regulatory filings, and technical oversight. This individual will serve as a key technical leader across the product lifecycle, driving innovation, alignment, and harmonization across internal and external manufacturing networks.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional technology transfers for both cell therapy and vector manufacturing processes
- Oversee development and implementation of process control strategies, including risk assessments, range justifications, and CPV strategies
- Author and contribute to regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA, variations) across product lifecycle stages
- Monitor and evaluate process performance to ensure capability and robustness; support technical investigations as needed
- Develop and manage tools/templates for criticality assessments of process parameters and quality attributes
- Provide technical input into facility and equipment design for clinical and commercial use
- Drive alignment and harmonization of manufacturing processes across internal and external sites
- Foster strong partnerships with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and other external stakeholders
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers on complex issues
Required Qualifications
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline with:
- 7+ years of relevant experience in biologics or cell therapy process development, tech transfer, or GMP manufacturing support
- Proven ability to operate in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on experience in GMP manufacturing environments and deep understanding of process development and validation
- Familiarity with ICH guidelines, control strategy development, and quality systems (change control, deviations, CAPAs)
- Strong problem-solving skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, R, Minitab)
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and scientific writing
- Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience authoring regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs, BLAs)
- Understanding of cellular immunology or immunotherapy platforms
- Experience with single-use technologies (SUBs, SUMs), cell culture, and downstream processing
- Prior experience managing external manufacturing relationships or working with CMOs
The starting compensation for this job is a range from $143,000 - $179,000,
plus incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility). The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills and the geographic location where work is performed. Final, individual compensation is decided commensurate with demonstrated experience. For more on benefits, please visit our BMS Careers Site. Eligibility for specific benefits listed therein may vary based on job and location.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect and may include the following: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care. Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP). Financial well-being resources and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support. Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year’s holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility. Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave. Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources. Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program
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If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
BMS cares about your well-being and the well-being of our staff, customers, patients, and communities. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that all employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
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Salary range
- $143,000 - $179,000