cell and gene therapy Archives - AES | Automated Engineering Services, Inc. https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/tag/cell-and-gene-therapy/ Solutions for Better Biotech Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:22:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thinkaes.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-AES-Favicon-32x32.png cell and gene therapy Archives - AES | Automated Engineering Services, Inc. https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/tag/cell-and-gene-therapy/ 32 32 Meet Chris Birnie: Leading Automation & Technical Excellence at AES https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/company-news/team-culture/employee-spotlights/meet-chris-birnie-leading-automation-technical-excellence-at-aes/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:52:01 +0000 https://thinkaes.com/?p=258011 Meet Chris Birnie: Leading Automation & Technical Excellence at AES From the Floor to the Frontlines: Chris Birnie on Leading with Curiosity, Building Cross-Functional Teams, and Driving Automation for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers Forward at AES Table of Contents Chris Birnie, Director of Technical Solutions at AES, brings nearly 30 years of biotech expertise to leading global […]

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Meet Chris Birnie: Leading Automation & Technical Excellence at AES

From the Floor to the Frontlines: Chris Birnie on Leading with Curiosity, Building Cross-Functional Teams, and Driving Automation for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers Forward at AES

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Chris Birnie, Director of Technical Solutions at AES, brings nearly 30 years of biotech expertise to leading global automation teams. Known for his collaborative mindset, broad technical scope, and dedication to mentorship, Chris is helping shape the future of automation in bioprocessing.

Q: How did you get your start in automation, and what drew you to AES?

I started in biotech right out of university, doing everything from operations to process sciences. What pulled me toward automation was the ability to really see how things worked. During a large capital project, I discovered I had a knack for automation. That insight, along with my early partnership with Leo, who shared a similar mindset, led me to AES. We both believe great automation engineers should be well-rounded—understanding process, equipment, and controls holistically.

Q: How has your background shaped your approach to leading highly technical teams?

I’ve done nearly every job in biotech, and that helps me meet engineers where they are. I try to be a mentor who encourages exploration across disciplines—not just siloed expertise. And I’ve grown from the “introverted engineer” stereotype to someone who values collaboration, human connection, and emotional intelligence in project execution.

Q: What does "technical solutions" mean at AES?

To me, it’s just engineering—solving real-world problems by applying experience across process, controls, and equipment. AES exposes engineers to a range of client challenges, helping them grow by solving different types of problems, from standardization to site-specific customization.

Q: What types of challenges are automation engineers solving at AES today, especially in regulated bioprocessing?

The range is huge. Engineers might be working on OEM software that needs to be flexible across clients, APW projects with strict regulatory needs, or global capital projects requiring standardized design across multiple facilities. Others support FDA audits at a site level. There’s also variation across tasks—some focus on testing, others on system architecture. That diversity is one of AES’s strengths.

“Automation isn’t just about making something work once—it’s about making it work reliably, repeatably, and with quality.” 

Christopher Birnie

VP of Technical Solutions

Q: Where do you see automation in bioprocessing heading in the next 5–10 years?

AI is going to be big, especially in areas like drug discovery and data interpretation. We’ll also likely see continued momentum toward personalized medicine—which means more process variation, and that’s where automation thrives.

Q: How is AES staying ahead of automation trends?

By being deeply embedded in real-world innovation. Our engineers work on cutting-edge capital projects, and we share lessons across teams. That knowledge transfer—tools, libraries, process improvements—is what keeps us nimble.

Q: What excites you most about the future of AES?

We’re still small enough to stay agile but big enough to pursue large-scale execution. I see us growing into a biotech-first integrator—owning more of the project pie from panel design to project management. That creates powerful opportunities for our engineers to develop careers without switching companies every few years.

Q: Why is AES a compelling place to build a career in biotech automation?

Exposure, mentorship, and hands-on learning. From building in our Oceanside facility to supporting global projects, AES engineers gain a breadth of experience in a structured, supportive environment.

As Chris Birnie’s journey shows, automation is more than just technology, it’s about people, problem-solving, and building resilient systems that move biotech forward. At AES, his leadership is shaping the next generation of engineers to think holistically, collaborate across disciplines, and deliver solutions that are not only innovative but reliable and compliant. With a culture rooted in mentorship and technical excellence, Chris and the AES team are paving the way for the future of automation in bioprocessing.

Shape the Future of Biotech Automation with AES

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]]> Meet Dr. Todd Upton: AES’s Director of OEM & Service https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/company-news/team-culture/employee-spotlights/meet-dr-todd-upton-aes-director-of-oem-and-service/ Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:24:12 +0000 https://thinkaes.com/?p=257019 Meet Dr. Todd Upton: AES’s Director of OEM & Service The field of life sciences is continuously advancing, with cell and gene therapy standing at the forefront of ground-breaking innovation. Behind these breakthroughs are the people who push the boundaries of innovation to make life-changing therapies more accessible. AES’s Director of Technical Sales Operations, Todd […]

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Meet Dr. Todd Upton: AES’s Director of OEM & Service

The field of life sciences is continuously advancing, with cell and gene therapy standing at the forefront of ground-breaking innovation. Behind these breakthroughs are the people who push the boundaries of innovation to make life-changing therapies more accessible. AES’s Director of Technical Sales Operations, Todd Upton is one of these individuals.

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With a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, multiple patents, and numerous scientific publications to his name, Todd brings a wealth of experience to AES. 

His career has been defined by his contributions to bioproduction and biotechnology engineering, particularly in cell and gene therapy. His role at AES will play an essential role in streamlining and optimizing the design and build of biotherapeutic equipment, driving forward innovation in the industry.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into his knowledge in the field of life sciences and discover what motivations drive Todd to innovate the industry. 

Where It All Began: A Passion for Science

A common denominator in Todd’s career has been the constant ambition of helping people and improving accessibility of lifesaving therapies for those who need it the most. His passion for science began in his early teens. Todd was fascinated by the idea of curing cancer.  

Todd obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology at the University of New Hampshire and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the UCONN Medical Centre in Farmington, CT. 

As he progressed through University, he developed a keen interest in understanding diseases at a molecular level. How does a cell transition from normal to malignant, and how can that process be prevented or reversed? This curiosity is what drove his passion for cell biology and ultimately led him to where he is today.

Pioneering Innovations in Bioproduction

One of  Dr. Upton’s most significant achievements was his involvement in developing Corning Life Science’s hyper-technology. This initiative focused on achieving higher-density cell culture, a goal that has had a profound impact on bioproduction capabilities. His work has consistently revolved around tackling scalability challenges in cell and gene therapy, aiming to develop cost-effective solutions that enhance accessibility for patients, regardless of financial status.

Reflecting on his career achievements, Todd shared:

“Being part of the team that brought Corning Life Science’s hyper-technology to market was a defining moment in my career. It highlighted the importance of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to a unified goal.”

Driving Innovation at AES

In his new role at AES, Todd Upton is set to focus on the customization of biotherapeutic equipment, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of clients. He sees tremendous opportunities for innovation, particularly in designing unique equipment that accelerates drug development while reducing costs. His long-term vision is to establish AES as a leader in the design and build of biotherapeutic equipment, further solidifying its reputation within the industry.

Looking ahead, Todd envisions a future where cell and gene therapy become first-line treatments for numerous medical conditions. He identifies artificial intelligence as a key driver of progress in bioproduction, particularly in process optimization and large-scale manufacturing.

Contributions to Scientific Advancement

In addition to his leadership in bioproduction, Todd has contributed to advancements in life sciences through his patents. One of his notable patents, the ‘Large scale cell culture vessel’, is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also the author of several scientific articles. 

Todd Upton’s scientific background, paired with his deep knowledge of bioproduction, particularly in cell and gene therapy, makes him a force to be reckoned with.  His vision for the future, combined with his dedication to accessibility and efficiency, will undoubtedly shape the next generation of biotherapeutic solutions. 

With people like Todd at the forefront of biotech, we can hopefully inch closer to the goal of making lifesaving therapies more affordable and accessible for the patients who need these treatments the most.

Todd has been instrumental in driving forward scalable and cost-effective solutions in cell and gene therapy, and we are incredibly happy to have him as a part of our leadership team at AES.

See how you can work with Todd and his Team at AES

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]]> Rapid Downtime Recovery: Saving a 50,000 Production Batch https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/case-studies/aes-rapid-downtime-recovery/ Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:42:07 +0000 https://thinkaes.com/?p=255993 Rapid Downtime Recovery: How AES Aftermarket services Saved a $50,000 Production Batch AES’s Global Aftermarket Service team rose to the occasion when a client’s privately labeled bioreactor system experienced a critical failure at a CDMO facility in Switzerland. Table of Contents The Challenge: Protecting Product Integrity and Preventing Costly Delays An unexpected agitator failure at […]

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Rapid Downtime Recovery: How AES Aftermarket services Saved a $50,000 Production Batch

AES’s Global Aftermarket Service team rose to the occasion when a client’s privately labeled bioreactor system experienced a critical failure at a CDMO facility in Switzerland.

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The Challenge: Protecting Product Integrity and Preventing Costly Delays

An unexpected agitator failure at a CDMO facility in Switzerland halted operations just as a scheduled production run was underway. Not only was the production batch at risk of loss (valued at $50,000+), but it also faced 18–20 days of downtime from the loss of the batch if the issue went unresolved. With limited internal resources to diagnose or repair the problem quickly, the client submitted a ticket through Zendesk, leveraging the AES global service to act fast.

AES’s OEM Expertise and Proactive Response

AES’s Aftermarket Services team delivered a tailored solution that exemplifies our commitment to reliability and operational excellence:

  • Immediate Diagnostics: Within hours of logging the issue, our remote diagnostics pinpointed the root cause—a faulty agitator motor.
  • OEM-Backed Replacement Parts: Leveraging our extensive supplier network, we sourced a compatible replacement motor that met the system’s exact specifications.
  • On-Site Engineering Support: A certified AES service engineer was dispatched the next day, arriving prepared with the required replacement part. The motor replacement and system validation were completed in less than 24 hours, restoring full operational capacity.

Results Delivered: Maximum Uptime, Minimum Impact

Through precision troubleshooting and seamless execution, AES turned a potential multi-week production delay into less than 24 hours of downtime. Key outcomes included:

  • Saved a $50,000 production batch: Rapid resolution preserved the client’s revenue and production goals.
  • Minimized operational impact: The facility avoided a costly 18–20-day delay, maintaining their commitments to customers.
  • Strengthened system reliability: AES’s improved agitator design minimized future risk, ensuring long-term stability.

Client Testimonial

Trust Earned Through Results

“[A] sincere appreciation to the teams for their prompt action in identifying and resolving the issue with the [bioreactor system.] Really grateful for the support and professionalism.”
Cell Culture Expert
Cell Culture Expert

Why Commit to AES Aftermarket Services?

An AES aftermarket service level agreement goes beyond troubleshooting—it’s a commitment to operational excellence. By partnering with AES, you gain:

  • Proactive Maintenance: We perform regular system evaluations and predictive diagnostics to reduce unexpected downtime, keeping your product runs on track.
  • Priority Support: With an afternarkt service agreement in place, your facility benefits from faster response times, ensuring that critical issues are resolved swiftly and efficiently.
  • Access to OEM Expertise: Our team of service engineers and SMEs brings unmatched knowledge of AES equipment and bioprocessing systems, delivering solutions tailored to your specific requirements and procedures.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: AES minimizes unplanned expenses with discounted parts, and labor determined in your service level agreement.
  • Future-Proofed Reliability: We implement design enhancements and system optimizations to maintain peak performance and extend equipment lifespan in your facility

With an AES aftermarket service level agreement, your biomanufacturing facility or lab will be equipped to confidently navigate today’s challenges and tomorrow’s demands. Let AES be your trusted partner in achieving operational success.

Find The Incident timeline in the Case Study

Want a more detailed overview of this case study to share with your team? Download the one-pager for a complete timeline of how our aftrmarket service team saved the adherent cell therapy production batch—from incident report, to issue diagnostics, to incident resolution. 

Download Now

Ready to learn more about our Aftermarket Services?

Submit a consultation request with our expert team to see how AES can support your biomanufacturing facility’s success.

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