Sura Hadi
Poway,CA
Summary
Operations and Technical Development leader with background in the industrial enzymes, chemical, metabolic pathway, and diagnostics industries. Possess the unique skill set in being strong technically along with having the vision to drive business strategy. Proficient at troubleshooting challenges, motivating large group of people, and driving efficiencies through workflow management and robotics. Experienced Engineering Manager successful at working with all disciplines to accomplish project objectives. Strategic planner, analytical thinker and decisive leader. 22-year track record of success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineering Manager
National Resilience
San Diego, CA
12.2021 - 12.2023
- Transformational Leadership: Led cross-functional teams in innovating biomanufacturing processes and personalized medicine instrument development.
- Automation Expertise: Spearheaded R&D automation projects, leveraging design principles and cross-disciplinary knowledge for complex solutions.
- Coding Proficiency: Programmed Design of Experiment, Mammalian Cell Line, and Cell-free protein workflows using Dynamic Devices Liquid Handler and C# language.
- Software Deployment: Utilized AWS cloud services and GIT repositories to deploy robust programs both in the cloud and on local machines.
- Strategic Planning: Provided strategic and technical leadership in Automation & Process Engineering, refining strategies and requirements to meet business objectives.
- Team Management: Recruited, hired, and coached automation engineers, fostering an innovative and collaborative culture.
- Problem-Solving: Analyzed process maps and stakeholder requirements to troubleshoot roadblocks and optimize processes.
- Mentorship: Guided team members through the development lifecycle, ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Collaboration: Partnered with senior management to align automated workflows with business objectives.
- Code Review: Ensured code changes met performance, scalability, security, and maintainability standards.
- Engineering Strategy: Developed and implemented strategies to meet product quality, reliability, and cost targets.
- Training Facilitation: Organized internal training sessions on coding techniques and debugging tools.
- Systems Architecture Review: Participated in regular reviews to identify areas for system architecture improvements.
- Technical Leadership: Mentored junior engineers on software development best practices.
- Performance Monitoring: Established processes to monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues.
- Design Oversight: Directed concept designs, collaborated with customers for feedback, and led the design process.
- Operational Efficiency: Orchestrated tooling changeovers, setups, and repairs to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
- Design Optimization: Recommended modifications to eliminate machine and system malfunctions.
- Process Automation: Streamlined internal processes to improve workflows.
- Technical Documentation: Drafted technical write-ups for proposals and projects.
- Project Execution: Designed and implemented engineering projects exceeding client expectations, enhancing revenue opportunities.
- Client Advisory: Advised clients on engineering concerns for in-development projects.
- Root Cause Analysis: Conducted root cause analysis, documented faults, and generated daily reports.
- Team Motivation: Encouraged collaboration and motivated team members through positive reinforcement and technical recognition.
- Robotic Workflow Deployment: Managed a 2-member team to deploy efficient robotic workflows and handle programming debugging.
Technology Dev & Process Engineering Manager
Guardant Health
Redwood City, CA
10.2020 - 12.2021
- Led a team in automating and scaling intricate workflows in a regulated environment, establishing robust processes for a cutting-edge sequencing laboratory.
- Spearheaded the development of a comprehensive automated assay workflow, overseeing all facets of automation development from conceptualization to validation, including liquid handling, optimization, error handling, and validation.
- Managed engineers and technicians, directing hiring, development, and performance management processes.
- Oversaw automation and assay development projects from inception through post-implementation support, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with organizational goals.
- Coding Proficiency: Programmed hit picking, NGS, and COVID workflows using Hamilton Liquid Handling robots and HSL language.
- Conducted in-depth workflow analyses, identifying bottlenecks and devising solutions to enhance efficiency, throughput, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
- Drove innovation in assay workflows, technologies, and processes, contributing to the continuous improvement of laboratory operations.
- Led the design, optimization, and implementation of automated liquid handling processes and systems, leveraging Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to streamline workflows.
- Facilitated the collection of process requirements from diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment with operational objectives.
- Developed comprehensive development plans, test plans, and procedural documentation for automated workflows, ensuring clarity and adherence to standards.
- Proficiently programmed robotic liquid handling workstations and integrated robotic systems to optimize laboratory operations.
- Orchestrated seamless instrument integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), enhancing data management and workflow efficiency.
- Reviewed existing policies and procedures, making suggestions for improvement when needed.
- Facilitated meetings between stakeholders to discuss progress on assigned tasks or initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across departments to ensure successful project completion.
Senior Engineer, Automation Lead
Genomatica
San Diego, CA
01.2017 - 09.2020
- Established and led a Robotics and Automation Department, driving innovation and efficiency organization-wide.
- Managed the Automation and Robotic team, acting as the primary architect and integrator of in-house automation systems to deliver robust, cost-effective solutions for diverse departmental and project requirements.
- Led a Data Analytics pilot program to implement real-time data acquisition and visualization, enhancing screening and automation workflows.
- Provided technical and administrative leadership for interdisciplinary, cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and successful project execution.
- Cultivated productive relationships with vendors and managed complex robotic platforms, fostering synergy and efficiency.
- Oversaw R&D Platform Innovation projects, coordinating solutions across departments and automation technology platforms.
- Scripted comprehensive programs in relevant languages to optimize biochemical, NGS, Omics, and molecular biology processes.
- Automated various workflows including hit picking, stamping, Strain Engineering, NGS, molecular biology, Fermentation, Analytical, and high-throughput screening using diverse robotic platforms and equipment.
- Proficient in Javascript, C#, Python, Java, and MySQL for coding tasks, with proficiency in scheduling software like Green Button Go and Retisoft.
- Skilled in data visualization tools including Spotfire, Tableau, and R, enabling informed decision-making.
- Possess an exceptional understanding of laboratory workflows and supporting equipment, optimizing operational efficiency.
- Demonstrated expertise in cross-functional project management, consistently delivering milestones and programs/products on-time and to specification.
- Innovated automation development as the lead for high-throughput workflows and screening efforts at Genomatica.
- Implemented improvements in working conditions, equipment, and tools to enhance workflow efficiency and team member safety.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
- Authored technical reports documenting project progress and specifications.
- Implemented best practices in engineering standards and procedures, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Monitored performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and conducted root cause analysis of problems.
- Managed vendor relationships, costs, and contracts to ensure project success.
- Collaborated with other departments on cross-functional projects, fostering teamwork and synergy.
- Mentored junior engineers on programming techniques and industry best practices, fostering their professional growth.
- Developed new automation methods for existing processes, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
Engineer III, Automation
BASF
San Diego, CA
11.2014 - 01.2017
- Spearheaded scientific automation initiatives, optimizing procedures and driving productivity enhancements through automation and emerging technologies.
- Managed all High Throughput Screening (HTS) and Automation operations, reporting directly to the Director of Automation Department.
- Provided comprehensive support to HTS, R&D, and Bioinformatics groups, fostering seamless collaboration and project execution.
- Established collaborative partnerships with research scientists to validate and transition biochemical and cell-based assays to robotics platforms for HTS.
- Conducted routine HTS procedures, including assay development, execution, data analysis, and archive management.
- Expanded proficiency in scripting languages: Java, JavaScript, Python, and C#.
- Automated various workflows: Programmed hit picking, molecular biology, high-throughput screening, NGS, genomics workflows using Hamilton, Agilent Bravo, Agilent Encore Liquid Handling, magna-motion rails, Staubli and precise arms Liquid Handling robots, Steri and AmbiStores.
- Demonstrated coding proficiency in Vworks, Retisoft, HSL, Javascript, Java, and Python.
- Led high throughput screening campaigns across various industrial markets as project leader.
- Managed cross-functional teams of automation engineers, molecular biologists, biochemists, and bioinformatics experts to achieve project milestones.
- Facilitated cross-functional team discussions, goal management, and task assignments to ensure project success.
- Championed innovative solutions and creative projects in-house, contributing to operational excellence.
- Provided technical support for equipment installation, maintenance, repair, and calibration.
- Analyzed customer requirements to define project scope and objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Documented engineering activities meticulously in accordance with established procedures.
- Applied technical expertise to promote safety and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Addressed customer complaints regarding product performance or functionality, proposing effective solutions.
- Developed and implemented engineering strategies to enhance production efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to evaluate and improve existing processes and technology solutions.
- Identified customer needs and developed tailored solutions based on feedback.
- Utilized calculations and simulations to analyze performance data and drive informed decision-making.
- Advised management on best practices for optimizing engineering operations.
- Generated detailed designs for new products, components, and systems, adhering to industry standards.
- Provided valuable feedback to design engineers to address customer concerns and needs.
- Developed technical drawings meeting industry standards and specifications.
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing engineering results for internal review.
- Designed preventive maintenance programs and supported energy conservation initiatives.
- Recommended design modifications to rectify machine or system malfunctions, ensuring optimal performance.
- Implemented effective resolutions to complex engineering challenges, fostering continuous improvement.
Research Associate
Genencor, a Division of Danisco/Dupont
01.2006 - 11.2014
- Led high-throughput screens for alpha-amylase in the fuel ethanol industry using Biomek-FXP and Biomek-NX liquid handling systems
- Automated assays for high-throughput screening (HTS) across various applications and projects
- Organized and maintained high-throughput facilities with Biomeks, tetrads, iEms, and wellmate
- Trained colleagues in robotics usage
- Managed the build-out and procurement of capital equipment for a new robotics facility
- Developed high-throughput assays for enzyme product evaluation
- Trained summer interns on lab techniques and assay methodologies
- Designed a microtiter plate robotics program for high-throughput product evaluation
- Conducted biochemical assays and enzyme characterization experiments
- Transitioned the lab to a new facility.
Research Associate II
Diversa Corporation/Verenium Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Conducted high-throughput screening of environmental and evolved libraries
- Formulated and performed secondary assays in 384-well plates
- Characterized and evaluated enzymes for improved industrial performance
- Over-expressed and purified mutant proteins
- Conducted protein stability and association state analysis
- Performed chemical and thermal analysis of protein folding
- Developed In Vitro/gastric stability assays
- Researched protein conformational dynamics
- Managed enzyme extraction and partial purification
- Developed enzyme activity assays for Feed and Biomass markets
- Trained and supervised colleagues on assays and lab techniques
- Presented experimental results in seminars.
Education
BA Political Science -
University of California - San Diego
Skills
- Project Oversight
- Persuasive Communication Style
- Technical Leadership
- Requirements Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Decision-Making Skills
- Forward-Thinking Mindset
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Equipment Knowledge
- Vendor Sourcing
- Field Operations
- Prioritization
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Technology Integration
- System Architecture
- Continuous Integration
- Training and Mentoring
- Resourceful Nature
- Stakeholder Management
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Innovation Management
Super Powers
- Robot whisperer
- Workflow efficiency czar
- Product manager
- Project manager
- People manager
Volunteer Experience
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego (CCDSD) to provide immigration services to middle eastern refugees
- Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
- Six Sigma Green Belt, DOE and Statics certifications, member of Society of Lab Automation
Accomplishments
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- DOE and Statics certifications
- Society of Lab Automation
Languages
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Senior Engineering Manager
National Resilience
12.2021 - 12.2023
Technology Dev & Process Engineering Manager
Guardant Health
10.2020 - 12.2021
Senior Engineer, Automation Lead
Genomatica
01.2017 - 09.2020
Engineer III, Automation
BASF
11.2014 - 01.2017
Research Associate
Genencor, a Division of Danisco/Dupont
01.2006 - 11.2014
Research Associate II
Diversa Corporation/Verenium Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2006
BA Political Science -
University of California - San Diego
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