Principal Validation Engineer

Company Overview
ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company developing cell and immunotherapy products that are designed to help strengthen each patient’s natural immune system, potentially enabling it to outsmart the disease and eliminate cancerous or infected cells. We envision a day when we no longer fear cancer, but can conquer it, thanks to the biological wonder that is the human immune system. Our scientists are working to develop novel therapies that harness that inherent power by amplifying both branches of the immune system, attacking cancerous or infected cells today while building immunological memory for tomorrow. The goal: to reprogram the patient’s immune system and treat the host rather than just the disease.

Why ImmunityBio?
• ImmunityBio is developing cutting-edge technology with the goal to transform the lives of patients with cancer and develop next-generation therapies and vaccines that complement, harness and amplify the immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases.
• Opportunity to join a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Southern California.
• Work with a collaborative team with the ability to work across different areas of the company.
• Ability to join a growing company with professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

The Principal Validation Engineer is responsible for coordinating all validation activities by constant communication with affected departments and personnel; oversees and reviews validation area processes and procedures. Prepares all protocols, executing of protocols and reports for validation work in an FDA regulated biopharmaceutical environment. This includes management of contractors as they supplement validation staff during expansion activities.

Essential Functions

• Provide validation focused design and development by engaging with cross-functional teams to define requirements, design, verification and validation plan and strategies.

• Generate and execute validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) of all site equipment including laboratory equipment, production equipment, utilities (as applicable) and other related systems in an FDA regulated environment.

• Provide technical project management for certain phases of a project such as scheduling, design, engineering specifications, drawings, and materials procurement.

• Author and review SOPs, protocols, reports, and validation master plans for GMP equipment, instruments, and computerized systems.

• Perform risk assessments for GMP systems as required and plan validation efforts according to risk.

• Evaluate systems for potential process improvements utilizing Lean Six Sigma or Quality by Design approaches as applicable.

• Supports managers hold delivery teams accountable for their assignments.

• Manage contractors, projects and timelines. Coordinate multiple projects and shifting priorities.

• Mentors and guides a team of junior Validation Engineers in the validation work performed across multiple teams and projects.

• Train end users on validation policies and requirements to support GMP operations.

• Collaborate with clients, CMO’s, and vendors to meet project and company objectives.

• Participate in audits and regulatory agency inspections for Validation.

• Serve as subject matter expert in qualification and validation.

• Troubleshoot and coordinate failure investigations for manufacturing and laboratory equipment.

• Assist with vendor communications and maintenance/repair scheduling.

• Resolve deviations and non-conformances reported during validation/qualification.

• Assist with engineering studies and investigations in other departments and perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

• Generate and keep current inventory of GMP systems and requalification/revalidation schedules.

• Create, edit and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and  process improvements as needed.

• Performs ad-hoc and cross-functional duties and/or projects as assigned to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related discipline is required.

• 10+ years of relevant validation or GMP‑regulated industry experience is required.

• Experience with facility and equipment commissioning, qualification and validation is required.

Knowledge, skills and Abilities

• Excellent technical document writing and reviewing with teams.

• Excellent knowledge of validation principles including commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQs related to equipment and facilities.

• Experience with and knowledge of related quality systems such as change control; CAPA (including deviations/OOSs); Risk Assessment (FMEA): training and document control are required.

• Experience with ELLAB data loggers and systems (preferred)

• Working knowledge of GMPs, OSHA compliance, 21 CFR Part 11 and cleanrooms, automated biopharmaceutical processing and plant equipment

• Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and/or Quality by Design approaches

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well independently and collaboratively.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Able to work independently and collaboratively with other business partners and contractors

Working Environment / Physical Environment

• This position works on site as noted in their offer letter.

• Exposure to onsite in-lab environment

• Must be able to don and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required

• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer.

• Must be able to lift frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity award. The annual base pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, prior experience as well as geographic location.

$148,500 (entry-level qualifications) to $165,000 (highly experienced) annually

The application window is anticipated to close on 60 days from when it is posted or sooner if the position is filled or closed.

ImmunityBio uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with sourcing and identifying potential candidates for open positions. These tools help us reach qualified applicants and improve the efficiency of our recruitment outreach. No preference is given to applicants sourced or identified by AI tools.

Important: AI is not used to screen, evaluate, rank, assess, or make hiring decisions about applicants. All applications are reviewed by human recruiters and hiring managers. Hiring decisions are made solely by ImmunityBio personnel without automated decision-making.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and ensure that all candidates are assessed based on their qualifications, skills, and experience through human review.

ImmunityBio employees are as valuable as the people we serve. We have built a resource of robust benefit offerings to best support the total wellbeing of our team members and their families. Our competitive total rewards benefits package, for eligible employees, include: Medical, Dental and Vision Plan Options • Health and Financial Wellness Programs • Employer Assistance Program (EAP) • Company Paid and Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match • 529 Education Savings Program • Voluntary Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance and Employee Discounts, Rewards and Perks • Paid Time Off (PTO) includes: 11 Holidays • Exempt Employees are eligible for Unlimited PTO • Non-Exempt Employees are eligible for 10 Vacation Days, 56 Hours of Health Pay, 2 Personal Days and 1 Cultural Day •  We are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to optimize your Health and Wellness.

At ImmunityBio, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.