Automation Project Manager

About the Role

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is seeking a Automation Project Manager to support an Automation Resilience Program in Rockville, MD. The selected candidate will lead and coordinate automation engineering, implementation, testing, commissioning, validation support, documentation, and project closeout activities. The role will work closely with Engineering, Automation, Operations, Quality, Validation, IT, and external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from design and planning through implementation and closeout.
• Support modifications and improvements to BMS, COPA-DATA Zenon (CDZ), EMS, PLCs, and process automation systems.
• Coordinate engineering design, system integration, migration, controls modifications, and implementation activities.
• Develop and coordinate testing, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Support creation, execution, review, and approval of validation protocols in accordance with site requirements.
• Manage project schedules, risks, issues, change controls, work orders, and action items.
• Coordinate outages, shutdowns, dependencies, and implementation activities in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, quality, and site procedures.
• Review and maintain engineering drawings, configuration records, test documentation, and as-built/turnover packages.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Proactively escalate risks impacting safety, compliance, schedule, quality, or operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automation, controls, engineering, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automation projects in pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other GMP-regulated environments.
• Strong project execution and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with commissioning, testing, qualification, or validation activities.
• Experience working in active manufacturing facilities with controlled implementation/outage requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Siemens Desigo / BMS
• COPA-DATA Zenon
• Rockwell PLC / Controls
• Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS)
• Process automation and system integration
• PLC/control system migration
• Automation architecture and data historization
• GMP computerized systems
• Commissioning and qualification