Associate Director, Manufacturing Automation

MSD • Wilmington, DE

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Wilmington Biotech is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director of Digital Manufacturing Operations to join our dynamic team. This essential position drives operational excellence by overseeing a team of automation engineers who are committed to maintaining uninterrupted performance across our manufacturing and utility systems. The Associate Director will play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvements, supporting & managing site led capital projects, and ensuring compliance and audit readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, chemical, or control systems engineering
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in digital systems within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership/team lead role.
• Proven track record of managing complex automation projects and leading teams in a 24/7 operational setting.
• Strong knowledge of digital technologies, systems, and best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
• Accountability
• Audit Management
• Business Process Improvements
• Capital Projects
• Collaborative Communications
• Data Management
• Digital Manufacturing
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Operational Efficiency
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Management
• Project Management
• Quality Management
• Real-Time Programming
• Regulatory Requirements
• Resource Allocation
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Stakeholder Communications
• Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with process & equipment control applications such as Emerson DeltaV, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Aveva Intouch & PI, etc.
• Familiarity with the manufacturing execution systems such as Korber PAS-X, etc.
• In-depth understanding of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and applications' system development
• In-depth understanding of project management aspects based on the PMI principles.
• Exposure to applications & platforms to support Operations Orchestration (OEE) and Process Optimization (MPI) products.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop staff capabilities and build depth within the team to ensure effective 24/7 support.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Oversee on-site automation support for manufacturing operations including all utility systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues promptly.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage capital projects related to automation, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
• Ensure all automation systems and processes comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Prepare for and support audits, ensuring documentation and processes are audit ready.
• Oversee the life cycle management of automation systems, including upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Develop and implement strategies for the sustainable management of automation assets.
• Ability to oversee the budget for the digital team, including both operational (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX), to ensure optimal resource allocation and effective cost management.
• Serve as the cost champion for the site’s Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO), delivering regular budget updates and forecasts to the Director of Digital Manufacturing Operations and the above-site Finance team.
• Liaise with above-site Manufacturing Value Teams (MVTs) and counterparts at other company sites to share best practices and drive alignment.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency and collaboration.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director