Automation Engineering Manager

Pfizer • Rocky Mount, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineering Manager is a member of the Site Digital & Automation Team and leads automation operations, lifecycle management, and production continuity across site automation and digital systems supporting manufacturing. The role provides leadership, direction, and governance for automation engineering activities to ensure production-critical systems operate reliably, compliantly, and efficiently. It works closely with Operations, Engineering, and Core Digital & Automation partners.

The manager leads automation operations and production continuity, serves as an escalation point for automation-related production issues, and coordinates resolution across teams. The role oversees system lifecycle management, compliance, validation, documentation, change management, upgrades, incident response, business continuity readiness, control systems and infrastructure, vendor engagement, system integration, technology roadmaps, and continuous improvement. It also provides technical and operational guidance, promotes standardization, and aligns automation work with site priorities and network strategies.

The role is based on premise. The annual base salary range is $116,000 to $193,400, with eligibility for a 15% target bonus under Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan and participation in a share-based long-term incentive program. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with matching contributions and an additional retirement savings contribution, paid vacation, holidays and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility. Candidates must have permanent U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and experience combinations: bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of experience; master's degree and at least 2 years; PhD and 0+ years; associate's degree and 8 years; or high school diploma/equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechatronic, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering.
• Extensive experience in automation engineering within pharmaceutical or GMP environments.
• Strong knowledge of GAMP guidelines applicable to in-scope systems.
• Experience leading automation teams or programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent people management abilities.
• Proficiency with computers and applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects within timelines and budgets.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States by any employer; U.S. work visa sponsorship is unavailable, and permanent U.S. work authorization is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across domains such as IT systems, electrical engineering, robotics, and automated systems within a Clinical or Regulatory environment.
• Cross-functional leadership competencies, including diligence, strategy development, conflict resolution, analysis, communication, and business or organizational awareness.
• Strong project planning skills.
• Ability to manage direct reports’ performance through goal setting, ongoing assessment, and coaching.
• Experience conducting regular one-on-one mentoring and training sessions on operations, individual development plans, and performance reviews.
• Strong collaboration skills with process automation teams, Engineering, and global IT teams.
• Experience developing and maintaining project budgets and providing updates for financial reporting cycles.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem-solving and productivity, with curiosity about improving outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, risk management, and ethical use.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation operations to ensure production continuity and system reliability across the site.
• Serve as the escalation point for automation-related production issues and coordinate resolution across teams.
• Advise Operations and Engineering on automation system performance and risks.
• Ensure smooth transition of systems from project delivery into business-as-usual operations.
• Own automation lifecycle management to keep systems compliant, validated, and fit for purpose.
• Establish and enforce standards for lifecycle documentation, change management, and validation.
• Oversee regulatory compliance aligned with GMP, GAMP, and audit requirements.
• Drive periodic reviews, system upgrades, and proactive lifecycle planning.
• Lead site-level responses to major automation incidents and crises affecting production.
• Ensure Business Continuity Plan readiness, testing, and execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional and vendor support during high-severity events.
• Ensure incident documentation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions are completed.
• Manage control systems and automation infrastructure, including DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and related systems.
• Govern system changes, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
• Oversee vendor engagement, system integration, and technology roadmap execution.
• Ensure alignment with site and network architecture standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve automation and manufacturing system performance and reliability.
• Drive standardization of automation practices and coding standards.
• Enable data-driven decision-making and performance optimization.
• Provide technical and operational guidance across automation activities.
• Drive stakeholder engagement across Operations, Engineering, and Digital teams and ensure alignment with site priorities and network strategies.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation, holiday, and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• Eligibility for a 15% target bonus through Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan
• Eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility

What This Job Offers

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