Full-Time
Senior Automation Engineer
Bachem
1,001-5,000 employees
Develops and manufactures peptides and oligonucleotides
Compensation Overview
$118k - $162.3k/yr
Oceanside, CA, USA
In Person
On-site in Vista, California. Local candidates preferred; remote work not available.
 Electrical Engineering (1) |
|---|
Get referred to Bachem
See people who can refer or advise you
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or 8+ years of qualified work experience in lieu of degree
- Minimum of 5 years’ qualified work experience
- Experience with SCADA/HMI platforms, such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View ME/SE, and WinCC.
- Experience with industrial fieldbus communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, and ProfNet, and the ability to implement system network topology for Ethernet and serial communications.
- Experience with Copadata Zenon, Ignition, and PlantPAX SCADA platforms
- Experience with Omron PLC/IO, iFIX.
- Experience with BACnet/IP and MSTP protocols and BMS systems.
- Experience with OSI PI, Zenon, and MSSQL
- Working Knowledge of ISA and IEE Standards and Industry Codes as they relate to Chemical, Pharmaceutical facilities, or related facilities.
- Knowledge of NEC, UL 508A.
- Working Knowledge of ISA and IEE Standards and Industry Code as it relates to Chemical, Pharmaceutical facilities or related facilities
- Knowledge of NEC, UL, and FDA title 21 standards and requirements
- Technical knowledge of automation, controls, instrumentation, batch programming, Programmable Logic Controllers, Distributed Control Systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, Building Automation Systems, IT and OT networks and technologies
- Knowledge of batch processing and recipe management
- Direct complete project life cycle from design, planning, and implementation to validation. Act as project manager across multiple projects
- Experience with electrical and program troubleshooting
- Ability to safely work with electrical circuits up to 480VAC
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to effectively organize, multitask, and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment
- Detail oriented with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems.
- Ability to work independently, manage one’s time, and function well in a team environment
- Responsible for Installation and qualification of automation systems for batch processing tanks, solvent recovery system, filter dryers, HPLCs, filtration system, Lyophilizers, ultra-low freezers, HVAC, solvent distribution and recovery system, compressed air, purified water, and wastewater system.
- Collaborate with production and controls team to develop and streamline production process in automating the new and existing system by harmonizing and leveraging technology developed by Center of Excellence (Bachem Headquarters).
- Develop and train cross-functional team members on utilization and maintaining new automation systems for equipment and system – by creating road map, improving existing process, creating new procedures, job aids, SOPs and protocols as well as training of staff for these expectations.
- Troubleshoot and monitor automation systems and trends to ensure that equipment works to its specifications and appropriate capacities
- Support engineering team and coordinates engineering activities to design, develop, and execute the automation part of strategic investment projects.
- Ensures compliance of company policies, procedures and objectives regarding processes, initiatives, and projects
Bachem provides development and manufacturing of peptides and oligonucleotides for research, clinical development, and commercial products. Its offerings include custom synthesis and scale-up production, analytical testing, and related services across the drug development spectrum. Customers work with Bachem by specifying desired sequences and specifications, after which Bachem designs, synthesizes, and quality-controls the peptides or oligonucleotides and delivers them in appropriate scales and formats. The company differentiates itself through more than five decades of experience, a global footprint with sites in Europe, the US, and Asia, and an integrated set of services spanning discovery support to commercial manufacturing. Its goal is to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies advance peptide- and oligonucleotide-based therapies by providing reliable, scalable, and well-supported manufacturing and development capabilities.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Bubendorf, Switzerland
Founded
1971
Get referred to Bachem
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The CHF 500 million Sisslerfeld investment expands peptide capacity for sustained demand.[1][2]
- A five-year CHF 500 million credit facility supports expansion with added financing flexibility.
- New biotech contracts, including ImmuPharma Kapiglucagon, reinforce Bachem's API development pipeline.
- CEO Anne-Kathrin Stoller and COO Hans Van Hees strengthen operational continuity during scaling.
What critics are saying
- Sisslerfeld production starts only in 2030, leaving years of execution risk.
- Undisclosed partnership terms create counterparty risk if demand or commitments weaken.[1][2]
- Heavy capital spending can strain margins if utilization, hiring, or commissioning lag.
What makes Bachem unique
- Bachem specializes in peptides and oligonucleotides across research, clinical, and commercial supply.[1]
- Its global manufacturing network spans Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia.[1][3]
- The Sisslerfeld greenfield plant is tied to long-term supply commitments and advance payments.[1][2]
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 23%1 year growth
↑ 23%2 year growth
↑ 23%ImmuPharma appoints Bachem as API manufacturing partner for Kapiglucagon. ImmuPharma plc (LSE AIM: IMM), the specialist drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that, following a competitive tender process, it has appointed Bachem AG ("Bachem") as manufacturing partner for the active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API") for its Kapiglucagon program. Bachem is a leading global peptide and oligonucleotide development and manufacturing partner, supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies from early-stage development through to commercial supply. The appointment represents an important Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls ("CMC") milestone and is expected to support the next stage of pharmaceutical development and IND-enabling preparation for Kapiglucagon. About Kapiglucagon Kapiglucagon is a proprietary glucagon prodrug being developed for Type 1 diabetes ("T1D") applications, with a focus on overcoming the inherent physicochemical limitations of native glucagon. The program is designed to improve solubility and formulation stability, with potential application in dual-hormone artificial pancreas systems and other glucagon-based therapeutic settings. ImmuPharma believes Kapiglucagon represents an important strategic opportunity alongside its lead asset, P140. The Company has previously stated that it intends to evaluate a 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway in the United States, leveraging existing data on native glucagon, subject to FDA confirmation. Next steps The immediate CMC focus will be the API workstream with Bachem, followed by the selection and appointment of a drug product ("DP") manufacturing partner to support formulation, manufacturing and broader IND-enabling activities. In parallel, ImmuPharma will continue to advance the regulatory and development strategy for Kapiglucagon, including future regulatory interactions and, subject to alignment with health authorities, progression towards IND submission and first-in-human studies. Dr Sébastien Goudreau, Chief Scientific Officer of ImmuPharma, said: "We are pleased to appoint Bachem as API manufacturing partner for Kapiglucagon. This is an important CMC step for the program and strengthens the foundation for its further development toward the clinic."
TIRmed Pharma collaborates with Bachem. The collaboration includes process development and manufacturing of TIR-01, the active substance in TIRmed's treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema), and marks an important step towards future clinical trials. As part of its preclinical program, TIRmed Pharma is collaborating with Bachem to establish high-quality production processes for TIR-01, an oligonucleotide-based compound, they describe in a press release. With its expertise in oligonucleotide production, Bachem provides critical expertise for GMP development, ensuring stability, consistency and regulatory compliance for upcoming clinical studies according to the company. "The collaboration with Bachem is an important milestone in the work of taking our drug candidate further towards the clinic," says Leo Holmgren, CEO of TIRmed Pharma. "It gives us access to world-leading manufacturing expertise and strengthens the foundation for being able to offer patients a longer-term treatment alternative," he adds. Learn more about the science behind TIRmed Pharma and its connections to this year's Nobel Prize in Medicine in our latest issue of the magazine - out now!
Anne-Kathrin Stoller becomes new CEO at Bachem. Bachem announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Anne-Kathrin Stoller, the former Head of Bachem Americas and previously the company's CMO for many years, as the new CEO effective january 1, 2026. She succeeds Thomas Meier, who has decided to take on a new challenge outside the company after more than thirty years at Bachem and almost six years as CEO. "Thomas Meier has contributed significantly to Bachem's continued success. Together with his team, he has achieved a capital-efficient and profitable growth. At the same time, Bachem's position as an innovative and reliable partner to the pharmaceutical industry has been further strengthened. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Thomas for his many years of service, his leadership and extraordinary contribution to Bachem," says Kuno Sommer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bachem. He continues: "I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint Anne-Kathrin Stoller, an experienced and competent successor from within our own ranks, as the new CEO. Anne-Kathrin has an excellent combination of expertise, leadership skills, and customer focus and, together with her colleagues in the Executive Committee, will continue Bachem's successful course." Thomas Meier, CEO, Bachem, added: "Bachem is a great company and has developed into a leading global, innovation-driven developer and manufacturer of peptides and oligonucleotides in recent years. I have had the privilege of helping to shape and accompany this development in various roles over the past three decades, and I am very grateful for the many enriching experiences I have had at work and the formative encounters with people. Above all, I would like to thank Bachem's employees and customers, as well as my colleagues in the Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors, for their active support and excellent cooperation." Anne-Kathrin Stoller, current Head of Bachem Americas and future CEO, Bachem, commented: "I am delighted to have earned the trust of the Board of Directors and will do everything in my power, together with the members of the Executive Committee and all Bachem employees, to continue our company's impressive success story. Under the leadership of Thomas Meier, Bachem has set the course for the future. I would like to thank him for his collegial support over the past years and everyone at Bachem who works hard every day to ensure that we make an important contribution to human health." Anne-Kathrin Stoller has worked for Bachem since 2006. After holding various management positions, including Head of Business Development & Sales Europe, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Group Executive Board, she took on the role of Chief Operating Officer Americas in 2022 and is responsible for the company's US business. Anne-Kathrin Stoller studied chemistry in Hanover and Cambridge (UK) and holds a doctorate in bioorganic chemistry from the University of Basel.
Bachem (OTC:BCHMY) has announced the appointment of Hans Van Hees as Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective September 1, 2025.
Looking ahead, Bachem aims to achieve annual sales exceeding CHF 1 billion and an EBITDA margin over 30% by 2026, supported by significant investments including the new Building K facility and planned expansion in Sisslerfeld.