Associate Director, Controls Engineering

Job SummaryHomeland Talent Solutions is partnering with a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organization in Spokane, WA to identify an Associate Director, Controls Engineering. The Associate Director, Controls Engineering will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the site’s controls engineering and automation program. This role will lead the development and execution of the automation philosophy, Operational Technology (OT) strategy, controls standards, system lifecycle management, and engineering programs supporting manufacturing and facilities operations. The Associate Director, Controls Engineering will oversee controls engineering activities across manufacturing, facilities, maintenance, and capital projects, ensuring systems are designed, implemented, and maintained in accordance with Good Engineering Practices (GEP), cGMP requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. The role will also lead and develop the Controls Engineering team, establish scalable automation standards, improve system reliability and manufacturing performance, and partner closely with Quality Assurance and Validation to maintain robust, compliant systems. ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership and technical oversight for the Controls Engineering function, fostering accountability, technical excellence, and strong internal customer supportDevelop and execute a long-term controls and automation strategy aligned with organizational growth, compliance, operational excellence, and digital transformationDevelop talent and succession plans while mentoring and building the capabilities of Controls Engineering personnelProvide technical leadership across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians, OT networks, and networked manufacturing control systemsEstablish standards for recipe management, data historians, audit trails, user access, system integrity, and controls-system lifecycle managementEstablish and maintain automation hardware, software, operational, and maintenance standards for manufacturing and facility equipmentEnsure controls systems comply with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards, including 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, EU GMP, PIC/S PI-041, GAMP 5, and data integrity requirementsPartner with Quality Assurance and Validation to maintain robust, compliant controls and computerized-system programsProvide technical guidance for diagnosing and resolving complex automation and controls issuesLead controls-related capital and expense projects, including facility and equipment expansions, compliance upgrades, automation enhancements, and process improvementsManage internal engineering resources and external partners, including A&E firms, equipment vendors, contractors, and technical service providersEnsure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with established engineering and project-management standardsPartner with Manufacturing and Maintenance to improve equipment uptime, reliability, efficiency, and OEE performanceLead automation-focused continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiativesSupport investigations, deviations, root cause analyses, and CAPA activities involving controls and automation systemsCollaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Validation, MS&T, Maintenance, Engineering, and external stakeholdersSupport customer audits, regulatory inspections, and technical visits, including communication and defense of controls strategies and engineering practicesCommunicate project status, technical risks, priorities, and recommendations to senior leadership RequirementsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical discipline10+ years of engineering experience within a regulated manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical manufacturing experience strongly preferred5+ years of experience designing and/or managing manufacturing controls systems, automation programs, and capital project executionDemonstrated experience with automated manufacturing equipment and industrial controls systemsProven leadership experience managing engineering teams, technical programs, and cross-functional initiativesStrong understanding of regulated engineering practices, documentation, system lifecycle management, and compliance requirementsAbility to operate effectively within manufacturing environments, including classified and aseptic areasDegree or advanced technical background in an automation-related discipline, preferredPharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing experience, preferredExperience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, PanelView HMIs, and servo drives, preferredExperience with Rockwell/FactoryTalk, Wonderware, and historian systems, preferredKnowledge of GAMP 5, data integrity requirements, and validation lifecycle management, preferredExperience with TCP/IP networking and industrial/OT control systems, preferredFamiliarity with 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, EU GMP, and applicable computerized-system requirements, preferredISPE certifications, ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Automation/Data Analytics certification, or similar credentials, preferredAutoCAD experience preferred, preferred BenefitsThe Associate Director, Controls Engineering role offers a competitive annual salary of $141,900–$227,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options; life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; and access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees also have opportunities for career growth and advancement, as well as annual compensation reviews. SummaryJoin a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing operation during a period of significant investment and expansion. As the Associate Director, Controls Engineering, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the site’s controls and automation strategy, build technical capabilities, and help drive the next generation of highly automated manufacturing. This role is ideal for a seasoned pharmaceutical controls and automation leader who enjoys combining strategic leadership with hands-on technical guidance across complex engineering, OT, compliance, equipment, and manufacturing challenges. Apply today! EEO NoticeHomeland LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Homeland LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Homeland LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.