Automation Engineering Team Lead

Pfizer • Rocky Mount, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineering Team Lead is a key member of the Site Digital and Automation Leadership Team, responsible for leading the Operations Services function. Reporting to the Site Digital and Automation Lead, this role works in close partnership with them to deliver and continuously enhance operational support while providing leadership oversight across all digital and automation activities at the site. The role is accountable for managing 24/7 plant operations support, including oversight of automation system performance, project execution, and support of new product introductions. It ensures strong collaboration between site operational teams, core Digital & Automation teams, and above-site partners to enable efficient and aligned delivery. A primary responsibility of this position is to ensure the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of all automation systems, fully aligned with GMP, data integrity, and cybersecurity requirements. The incumbent drives stakeholder engagement and cross-functional alignment across site and PNA network.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 5 years of experience; OR a PhD with 1+ years of experience.
• Degree in engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in Digital, Automation, IT systems, or related technical environments, with experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams, including people management within a matrix team structure.
• Experience managing technical projects, or programs within operational environments.
• Experience with delivery frameworks (e.g., Agile, SDLC, Project/Program Management).
• Knowledge of regulated environments and compliance requirements (e.g., GMP, change management, lifecycle governance).
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, work independently, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma, ITIL, Agile, or technical certifications) beneficial.
• Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Operations Services team and coordinate work plans.
• Ensure the provision of technical expertise in automation control system design and lifecycle management.
• Drive continuous improvement projects, assist other teams, and ensure uptime, compliance, and data integrity.
• Act as the primary operational point of contact for Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations partners for all run-state digital and automation systems.
• Ensure appropriate on-call / out-of-hours support model is in place to sustain 24/7 operations.
• Support NPI projects and new equipment introduction.
• Ensure effective Automation Engineering operational support, including ownership of control systems, hardware, instrumentation, and PLC environments.
• Ensure proactive maintenance strategies, plans and execution.
• Ensure that statutory and regulatory compliance requirements are satisfied and support audit/ inspection readiness.
• Ensure lifecycle planning for obsolescence management, patching, and system upgrades.
• Manage incident response for automation and digital systems within agreed SLAs, overseeing triage, escalation, coordination, and communication with site stakeholders.
• Collaborate with network support teams and Site Digital and Automation lead to assisting in crisis response, recovery and business continuity undefined.
• Drive key control systems strategies focusing on process optimization, system integration areas and modernisation.
• Oversee technical support contracts for automated systems.
• Ensure alignment with site and above-site architecture standards, cybersecurity policies, and network segmentation requirements.
• Own site automation roadmap and capital planning.
• Contributor to global automation topics and provide strategic direction within SME forums.
• Deliver Automation Systems continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma methodologies.
• Drive standardization and replication of best practices across site and network.
• Ensures new equipment and upgrades are ready for operations as projects transition to BAU support.
• Oversee lifecycle documentation, oversees project specs, contracts, purchases, and installations within budget.
• Manage changes and adhere to Automation Standards for software and hardware design.
• Coach and mentor technical teams and provide support for training undefined.
• Lead, coach, and develop site‑based colleagues and contract resources supporting digital and automation activities.
• Set clear expectations for behaviours, standards, and ways of working, including responsiveness, documentation quality, and delivery of core responsibilities.
• Conduct performance reviews to ensure career growth, and capability development across technical, operational, compliance, and problem‑solving areas to enable a future ready team.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the team.
• Serve as a key member of the site Digital & Automation leadership community, partnering closely with peer leads across workstreams and with network partners.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing, succession planning, and capability building aligned to future digital and automation needs undefined.

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
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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