Graduate Program Associate - Automation Engineer

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
 

Graduate Automation Engineer

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercialises innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. With each new discovery and investigational drug candidate, we seek to improve the care of patients living with life-threatening diseases around the world. Gilead’s therapeutic areas of focus include HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer and inflammation, and serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Role Overview

As a Graduate Automation Engineer, you will support the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems across the pharmaceutical manufacturing site. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and compliant operation of PLC/SCADA -controlled equipment and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance of PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Support automation projects including upgrades, modifications, and new installations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure systems meet GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Support system validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation.
• Monitor and analyze system performance and propose improvements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of automation systems and changes.
• Learn and apply site-specific SCADA/HMI platforms and data historian tools.
• Understand site-specific automation architecture and standards.
• Gain proficiency in PLC programming languages.
• Learn GMP principles and how they apply to automation systems.
• Shadow senior engineers during troubleshooting and project execution.
• Complete training on change control, deviation management, and validation protocols.
• Develop basic understanding of network infrastructure and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP, MQTT).
• PLC Platforms: Siemens, Allen-Bradley

Learning Objectives

Tools & Technologies

• SCADA/HMI: WinCC, FactoryTalk View, iFix
• Applications: Lucid, MS Visio, SharePoint, One Note
• Databases: SQL, Access
• Compliance: GMP, GAMP5, 21 CFR Part 11

Mentorship & Support

• Assigned mentor from the Automation Engineering team.
• Weekly check-ins with line manager.

Candidate Traits:

• Good verbal and interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to take initiative and drive projects with support from senior team members.
• Good understanding of PC’s and networking techniques
• Have an interest and aptitude for PLC’s, SCADA control systems and Low Voltage Electrical Design
• Ideally have an interest in Industry 4.0.
• Good level of knowledge with Microsoft Office applications.

Gilead Core Values

• Integrity (always doing the right thing),
• Teamwork (collaborating in good faith),
• Excellence (working at a high level of commitment and capability)
• Accountability (taking personal responsibility).

• Inclusion (Encouraging Diversity)

Qualifications

• Level 8 or higher degree in Engineering discipline (Electrical, Automation or Electronic) or Computer Science

Equal Employment Opportunity (Eeo)

It is the policy of Gilead Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Gilead" or the "Company") to recruit select and employ the most qualified persons available for positions throughout the Company.  Except if otherwise provided by applicable law, all  employment actions relating to issues such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, returns from layoffs, company-sponsored training, education assistance, social and recreational programs are administered on a non-discriminatory basis (i.e. without regard to protected characteristics or prohibited grounds, which may include an individual’s gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, veteran status, and age, unless such protection is prohibited by federal, state, municipal, provincial, local or other applicable laws).  Gilead also prohibits discrimination based on any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

For Current Gilead Employees And Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.