Automation Area Lead

About the Role

An established and rapidly growing automation and controls engineering firm is seeking an experienced DeltaV Automation Engineer - Area Lead to spearhead automation delivery across complex pharmaceutical manufacturing projects. This fully remote position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact automation initiatives while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States. This role is ideal for candidates who are already Area Leads or senior automation engineers with significant experience leading pharma projects from early design through configuration, testing, commissioning, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Area Lead for assigned manufacturing suites or process areas, ensuring end-to-end ownership of automation deliverables.
• Lead automation engineering scope across concept, FEED, detailed design, configuration, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and validation.
• Coordinate with process engineering, CQV, project management, and operations teams to ensure successful integration of automation with production processes.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior engineers and supporting team members.
• Architect and design DeltaV automation solutions for batch, continuous, clean-utility, or support systems.
• Develop and review control module logic, phase logic, equipment modules, and SFCs/S88 batch strategies.
• Support hardware design, I/O allocation, controller load management, and network architecture reviews.
• Lead or support authoring and execution of automation deliverables:
  • User Requirements Specifications (URS)
  • Functional Design Specs (FDS)
  • Configuration documentation
  • Test protocols (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ)
• Ensure all automation work complies with GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, validation, and site quality standards.
• Partner with validation and QA to close deviations, support changes, and finalize qualification packages.
• Manage automation schedules, risk registers, resource needs, and interface points for your assigned area.
• Represent automation in cross-functional meetings and ensure smooth communication between engineering, construction, and CQV teams.
• Support client stakeholders in decision-making, troubleshooting, and readiness for operational handover.

Requirements

• Current Area Lead experience OR proven track record acting as a technical lead on pharma automation projects.
• Strong DeltaV expertise including configuration, batch (S88), and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience leading projects from early design → configuration → validation → handover in a GMP pharmaceutical environment.
• Ability to independently lead cross-functional coordination with process, quality, CQV, and operations teams.
• Deep understanding of GMP, validation, and automation lifecycle documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with biotech/sterile manufacturing, utilities, or large greenfield/brownfield capital projects.
• Familiarity with integrating skid systems, OEM equipment, and plantwide automation architectures.

Benefits

• 100% Remote - Work from anywhere while leading impactful pharma automation projects.
• Join a high-performing team known for delivering advanced automation solutions to cutting-edge manufacturing facilities.
• High autonomy, strong technical culture, and opportunities to lead major project scopes.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Project performance incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Career advancement opportunities within a fast-growing automation consultancy.