Project Manager (Automation) - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Contract Position: 6 months, with likely extension (long-term project); available as W2, 1099, or C2C. Expected start date: approximately October 1. Location: Onsite/Hybrid in the RTP area.

About the role

Our client is looking for a project leader to take ownership of a lifecycle management effort spanning automation systems. This role carries end-to-end accountability for driving the initiative forward from planning through execution, while aligning internal and external stakeholders around shared timelines and deliverables.

The right person for this role combines automation technology experience with program-management skills, allowing them to move between conversations with engineers, outside contractors, and business leadership, while keeping the initiative on track and accountable. Ideally, this person has direct background in automation lifecycle management work, exposure to multinational teams and global automation infrastructure, and working knowledge of platforms such as DeltaV, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens PCS7, Emerson control systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and SCADA/HMI technology. A PMP or similar project-management credential is a plus, as is experience in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own the lifecycle of automation modernization projects - from initial planning through delivery.
• Build and refine schedules, timelines, and resourcing plans.
• Run project meetings, status check-ins, and steering-committee briefings.
• Serve as the point of coordination between engineering groups, system/platform owners, vendors, and contract resources.
• Track milestones, surface risks, and manage interdependencies to keep delivery on course.
• Keep leadership and stakeholders informed through progress updates.
• Contribute to efforts around replacing, upgrading, and modernizing legacy automation platforms.
• Maintain documentation, change control, and governance processes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with technical staff to assess how system changes affect operations, weigh implementation approaches, and flag risk areas.
• Oversee contractor performance and hold vendors to agreed deliverables and deadlines.

Requirements

• A degree in an Engineering discipline, Automation, Computer Science, Project/Program Management, or a comparable field.
• At least 8 years leading projects within pharma, biotech, life sciences, manufacturing, or other regulated sectors.
• Experience steering automation-focused initiatives.
• Working knowledge of automation systems and supporting infrastructure.
• History of driving cross-team projects from kickoff to close.
• Experience with scheduling, budget management, planning, and stakeholder management.
• Interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.

Pay

Rate: approximately $110/hr, negotiable.

Schedule

Contract Position: 6 months, with likely extension.