Twist Bioscience logo
Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Synthetic Biology, Genomics

Sr Staff Program Manager, MES Custom Software Development Transformation

South San Francisco, CAOnsiteFull TimeStaff$233,000–$271,000 /yrPosted 22 days agoVisa sponsorship available

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

  • MES
  • custom software development
  • transformation
  • Agile
  • Scrum
  • SAFe
  • SDLC
  • SCADA
  • PLC
  • ISA-95

Nice to have

  • biotech
  • pharmaceutical
  • semiconductor
  • advanced discrete manufacturing

Role summary

Twist Bioscience is seeking a Sr Staff Program Manager to lead a strategic transformation of its Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This role will drive planning, coordination, and execution of the MES replatform initiative, reporting to the Sr Director of Technology Operations. Responsibilities include leading day-to-day execution, stakeholder engagement, budget and resource management, process optimization, and risk/quality management. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, a minimum of 12 years of experience in business process improvement with a focus on manufacturing/life sciences, and 5+ years in project/program management leading custom software development teams. Expertise in Agile delivery frameworks is essential, with certifications like Scrum Master or SAFe Agilist preferred. Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industries and knowledge of shop-floor manufacturing processes, SCADA/PLC integration, and ISA-95 standards are highly desirable.

Sr Staff Program Manager, MES Custom Software Development Transformation (Hybrid in South San Francisco, CA or Wilsonville, OR)

Summary

Twist Bioscience is embarking on a strategic transformation of its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to modernize our technology platform, enable operational scalability, and support the evolving needs of our business. We are seeking an experienced Sr Staff Program Manager to drive the strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and hands-on execution of this business-critical initiative. Reporting directly to the Sr Director of Technology Operations, this role will lead the delivery of the MES replatform efforts, bringing structure, Agile delivery discipline, and strong program governance to ensure successful execution. Partnering closely with Technology, Manufacturing Operations, R&D, Quality, and business stakeholders, this individual will be responsible for aligning priorities, managing complex dependencies, and driving decisions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Program Leadership: Lead the overall MES replatform transformation, translating strategic objective into an actionable, integrated program roadmap.
  • MES Project Execution: Lead day-to-day execution of the MES replatform, managing timelines, scope, resources, and deliverable milestones.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Partner closely with business users, IT process owners, and external software vendors/agencies to communicate status, align expectations, and resolve cross-functional issues.
  • Budget & Resource Management: Track project expenditures, support financial budgeting, and ensure efficient resource allocation across core initiative tracks.
  • Process & Change Optimization: Implement company and departmental procedures that affect immediate operations. Assist with organizational change management to ensure smooth system adoption and transition from legacy platforms.
  • Risk & Quality Management: Proactively identify technical, operational, and integration risks. Enforce quality-control practices, compliance standards, and validation protocols required in manufacturing software environments.
  • Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Overall experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience performing and improving business processes, with a strong focus on manufacturing, life sciences, engineering, or operations.
  • Agile & Delivery Expertise: Proven expertise in Agile project delivery frameworks (Scrum Master, SAFe, or PMI-ACP certifications preferred) with a strong track record of facilitating Agile ceremonies and managing iteration cycles.
  • Project Leadership: 5 plus years in project or program management leading cross-functional custom software development teams.
  • Solid hands-on understanding of the custom software development lifecycle (SDLC), modern software architecture principles, and business transformation frameworks. Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
  • Strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills, with a track record of translating complex manufacturing requirements into actionable software solutions.
  • Preferred Qualifications

  • Certifications: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), PMI-ACP, or SAFe Agilist.
  • Industry Focus: Specialized experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or advanced discrete manufacturing environments.
  • Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of custom software development lifecycles (SDLC), shop-floor manufacturing processes, SCADA/PLC integration, and ISA-95 standards.
  • About Twist Bioscience

    Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as “writing” DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

    At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon-based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

    Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.

    The base cash compensation for this California-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range$233,000—$271,000 USD
    Ready to apply?
    You'll be redirected to Twist Bioscience's application page.

    Similar roles

    See how RiseMe works

    Match, tailor, and prep so you send fewer applications and land more interviews.