Director, Automation

Responsibilities

• Serve as the owners senior automation and digital systems leader.
• Define the automation architecture and digital strategy for the project.
• Lead the owners automation engineering team.
• Provide oversight for design and implementation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLC-based equipment control systems, Batch automation systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Process control strategies.
• Ensure automation supports reliable manufacturing operations and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with data integrity and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee development of control narratives and cause-and-effect diagrams.
• Ensure integration between automation systems, equipment vendors, and process control systems.
• Ensure automation supports process control, safety interlocks, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure automation systems comply with corporate cybersecurity and GxP data integrity requirements.
• Implement secure and reliable automation architectures.
• Support automation system testing and commissioning including system integration testing and operational readiness.
• Ensure automation systems support CQV activities.
• Drive transformation across all phases of the projects to deliver best-in-class technology, efficiency in execution to reduce the overall project line up to 20% from the baseline, introduce AI and digitalization in various aspects of project management and development.
• Monitor and control the cost and schedule of automation vendor driven programs including hardware and software to ensure adherence to project budgets and timeline.

Qualifications

• BS, in Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Masters degree in Engineering preferred
• 15+ years of experience as a process lead across multiple platforms and industries but with considerable portion of it in biopharmaceuticals
• Proven leadership experience in automation projects to support mega-capital projects ($500MM $1B+)
• Deep knowledge of automation systems, codes and architecture
• Proven inclusive management and leadership capabilities of large cross-functional teams and the ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities
• Demonstrated experience managing Engineering contractors and global equipment vendors
• Results-oriented leadership with outstanding negotiation skills and risk-based decision making is required
• Ability to mentor and develop next generation of leaders
• Travel within the US outside the US for reviews/workshops/visits to vendor facilities will be required