Interview Archives - AES | Automated Engineering Services, Inc. https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/tag/interview/ 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 Interview Archives - AES | Automated Engineering Services, Inc. https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/tag/interview/ 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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]]> Driving Innovation in Biotech Engineering: A Conversation with AES’s VP of Process Engineering, Jim Ball https://thinkaes.com/knowledge-hub/capabilities/process-engineering/driving-innovation-in-biotech-engineering-a-conversation-with-aes-vp-of-process-engineering-jim-ball/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:55:03 +0000 https://thinkaes.com/?p=256795 Driving Innovation in Biotech Engineering: A Conversation with AES’ VP of Process Engineering, Jim Ball In this Q&A, Jim shares his journey, highlights the unique capabilities of AES’s Process Engineering team, and discusses the company’s vision for driving growth and excellence in the biotech industry. Table of Contents At AES, leadership is not just about […]

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Driving Innovation in Biotech Engineering: A Conversation with AES’ VP of Process Engineering, Jim Ball

In this Q&A, Jim shares his journey, highlights the unique capabilities of AES’s Process Engineering team, and discusses the company’s vision for driving growth and excellence in the biotech industry.

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At AES, leadership is not just about guiding teams but also about shaping the future of biotechnology and engineering. Jim Ball, our Vice President of Process Engineering, exemplifies this principle with his hands-on approach to innovation and commitment to building scalable, compliant, and impactful solutions for our clients.

Q: Jim, what excites you most about your role at AES?

Jim: There’s so much I love about my role at AES. What excites me most is the variety of work and the constant opportunities to learn. I get to dive into highly technical engineering design, process development, project management, and even mentoring teams to build their skills. It’s a role that challenges me daily, and I thrive on that.

The caliber of people I work with is incredible, and the projects we take on push us to think creatively and deliver exceptional results. Rarely is there a dull moment, and that’s what keeps me energized and passionate about what I do.

Q: How would you describe the mission of the Process Engineering team and its impact on AES clients?

Jim: Our team’s mission is to bring projects to life by partnering with clients to understand their unique challenges and deliver solutions that are scalable, compliant, and tailored to their long-term goals. We go deeper than traditional project management teams focusing on timelines and scope.

We design, build, and integrate systems from lab-scale processes to full-scale commercial production. Our approach ensures that the solutions we deliver solve immediate problems and support our clients’ growth for years to come. Our work directly impacts their ability to remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Q: What unique challenges does your team address when scaling lab systems to full-scale production?

Jim: Scaling isn’t just about making systems larger—it’s about managing complexity. At a lab scale, processes move quickly, and adjustments are relatively simple. But when you scale to commercial production, you encounter challenges in three main areas: technology, people, and compliance.

For example, lab systems may only require a few scientists to operate, but full-scale production can need five times as many operators with varying levels of expertise. This requires advanced control systems, robust training programs, and detailed reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance and consistency.

AES excels in addressing these challenges. We provide everything from engineering and project management to validation and qualification, ensuring clients have a fully functioning, compliant facility.

Q: What sets AES apart in system integration and engineering services for life sciences?

Jim: Simply put, we offer end-to-end solutions. We can take an empty warehouse, brownfield, or greenfield site and deliver a fully functioning manufacturing facility—on time, under budget, and with exceptional quality. Many of our competitors provide equipment but leave the rest to the client. At AES, we design equipment specific to the client’s process. We build, install, test, and qualify it and even provide staff to run it if needed. I don’t know of any other company in the industry that offers this partnership level.

Q: How has your career prepared you for your current role at AES?

Jim: My career journey has been mission-driven from the start. I began in operations as a production supervisor and have since worked across manufacturing, engineering, quality systems, and supply chain. Each role taught me something new about the intersection of technology, people, and processes.

At Genentech, I learned state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and top-tier quality management systems. At Lonza and Takeda, I tackled more complex roles that broadened my expertise in regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and leadership.

These experiences gave me the technical depth and leadership skills needed to lead a team like the one at AES, where we’re constantly innovating and driving excellence.

Q: How do you foster a culture of growth and innovation within your team?

Jim: It starts with asking the right questions and defining the right outcomes. I challenge my team to fully understand the problem before jumping into solutions. A well-defined problem is half-solved, and from there, I rely on the diverse talents of our engineers to innovate and collaborate.

We focus on delivering solutions that are compliant and high-quality and push the boundaries of what’s possible. I encourage continuous learning and allow my team to explore creative approaches to solving complex problems.

Q: What trends in life sciences are you most excited about, and how is AES positioned to support them?

Jim: The life sciences industry is evolving rapidly, with breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, and cell and gene therapies leading the way. What excites me most is the innovation aimed at addressing unmet medical needs.

AES is uniquely positioned to support these trends because of our talented team and advanced capabilities. We understand the engineering and science behind designing, developing, and delivering compliant, high-quality solutions across multiple platforms. Whether it’s single-use technology or automation, we stay at the cutting edge to meet the demands of the industry.

Q: Where do you see AES making the most significant impact in the next five years?

Jim: I see AES expanding into emerging markets like the Middle East and Asia, bringing high-quality engineering solutions to regions just starting to develop advanced biopharma capabilities.

At the same time, we’ll continue to support our clients in the U.S. and Europe with innovative solutions that help them stay ahead of the curve. Our ability to deliver across diverse geographies and modalities will be a key driver of our impact in the future.

Jim Ball, Vice President of Process Engineering at AES, wearing full cleanroom PPE while overseeing bioprocess operations in a high-tech pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Featured in the blog article 'Driving Innovation in Biotech Engineering: A Conversation with AES’s VP of Process Engineering, Jim Ball.

Jim Ball’s leadership reflects AES’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and partnership. By addressing complex challenges in process engineering, AES empowers clients to scale operations, maintain compliance, and stay competitive in a dynamic industry.

With a focus on fostering talent, embracing innovation, and delivering end-to-end solutions, AES is well-positioned to lead the way in biotech and engineering for years to come.

Discover how AES’s Process Engineering team delivers innovative, scalable solutions for biomanufacturing

Request a consultation to explore how our expertise in system integration, compliance, and cutting-edge engineering can support your facility’s success.

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